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Type I 



REPORT 



OF THE 



Commission Appointed ty tke 
General Assembly of Soutk 
Carolina to Mark tke Grave of 

GEN. THOMAS SUMTER 




Columbia, S. C. 

Gonzales and Bryan, State Printers 

1908 



^A^'A^^'"- 






GENERAL THOMAS SUMTER 

From an original portrait by Charles W. Peale 





REPORT 






OF THE 




Commission Appoint 


ed by tke 


General Assembly 


of Soutk 


Carolina to Mark tke 


Grave or 


GEN. 


THOMAS SUMTER 



Sin^ucL (Uy^^rt^. Gr^ • ^^^C-— ^ ,^Uwt^>vwr^- 




Columbia, S. C. 

Gonzales and Bryan, State Printers 

1908 






AN ACT TO PROVIDE FOR A MONUMENT TO MARK 
THE GRAVE OF GEN. THOMAS SUMTER. 

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of 
South Carolina, That the sum of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) 
be appropriated to be used alone or in connection with any sum 
that may be raised by voluntary contribution to erect a suitable 
monument or mark to the grave of General Thomas Sumter. 

Section 2. That a Commission consisting of Wm. A. Courtenay, 
H. E. Ravenel, J. W. Babcock, M. D., Richard I. Manning and 
John J. Dargan, is hereby created, authorized and empowered 
to take charge of the funds appropriated in Section 1 hereof, and 
also all voluntary contributions which may be committed to them, 
and they shall take charge of the inscription and erection of the 
monument. 

Section 3. That said funds hereby appropriated shall become 
available upon the approval of this Act by the Governor. 

Approved the 25th day of February, A. D. 1907. 



REPORT* 



His Excellency Martin F. Ansel, Governor of South Carolina. 

Sir: Under an Act of the General Assembly, approved the 25th 
day of February, A. D. 1907, providing for the erection of a monu- 
ment to mark the grave of Gen. Thomas Sumter, and naming as 
a commission to perform this work, William A. Courtenay, H. E. 
Ravenel, J. W. Babcock, Richard I. Manning and John J. Dargan, 
the commission met, very soon thereafter, and organized by elect- 
ing John J. Dargan, Chairman, and Robert I. Manning, Secretary. 
Mr. Courtenay having resigned, your Excellency was asked by the 
commission to fill the vacancy occasioned by his resignation, but 
you declined to do so on the ground that no power to fill vacancies 
was given by the Act. The commission then proceeded to do the 
work assigned it and submits the following report of that work 
for the information of the General Assembly. 

JOHN J. DARGAN, Chairman, 

J. W. BABCOCK, 

H. E. RAVENEL, 

RICHARD I. MANNING, Secretary. 

FINANCIAL st.\te;me;nt. 

The State of South Carolina, to Gen. Thomas Sumter Monument 

Commission, Dr. 

By amount of appropriation $1,000 

To cost of monument $900 . 00 

To traveling expenses, H. E. Ravenel 32.40 

To traveling expenses, J. J. Dargan 14.00 

To traveling expenses, R. I. Manning 14.00 

To expenses of transportaion. inspector 10.00 

To telegrams, long-distance phone, etc 7.20 

To certified check to State Treasurer for balance. . 22.40 



$1,000 $1,000.00 
Respectfully submitted, 

RICHARD I. MANNING, 
Secretary and Treasurer of the Gen. Thomas Sumter Monument 
Commission. 



CEREMONIES 

at the unveiling of tne 
Monument 



TO 



CS^n^rd ®I|0mas #«mto 



Erected by tne General AssemDly 

or South Carolina at His Grave 

at Stateourg, Soutn Carolina, 

August 14, 1907 

ON THE 

One Hunarea ana Seventy-'lntra Anniversary 
of His Birtn 



PROCEEDINGS OF THE DAY. 

BY J. E. NORMENT. 
In The State (Columbia) of August 15, 1907. 

Stateburg, Aug. 14. — More than a century ago the struggHng 
patriots of the Revolution succeeded in estabHshing what, under the 
providence of God, was destined to be the repubhc of repubHcs. This 
repubhc has increased in size and stature until it has for years been 
one of the world-powers. And among the band of brave spirits 
who battled for liberty and right, to whom fighting came even as 
the breath of life itself, and to whom death was only another name 
for glory everlasting — among these there was no truer and nobler 
man than was Gen. Thomas Sumter, the "Gamecock of the Revo- 
lution." This title, earned in the stormy days of the Revolution, 
perpetuates for General Sumter such honor and fame as belong to 
him whose calm courage and lofty spirit earned for him the title 
of "Stonewall" Jackson. For weeks and months preparations for 
this event have been in progress, and what transpired today showed 
that the fame of General Sumter — soldier, statesman, patriot — has 
grown with the growth of the country for which he fought so daunt- 
lessly. These events formed a tribute to the dead — a tribute greater 
because of the long delay which has marked this seeming neglect 
upon the part of his countrymen. 

But today the world hears again of Sumter, the stern fighter who 
did so much for the liberties of his country. And what the world 
hears tells no uncertain story. It tells that his own State has 
taken official action, through its General Assembly, and has erected 
a stately stone to perpetuate the name and the deeds of one who 
filled his own great place when his stricken country was in dire need 
of men. It tells that this work has been well done and that citizens 
of South Carolina, from all sections, with throngs from his own 
Gamecock county, come to do honor to the man once more. And 
it tells that national recognition was given to the exercises also, 
not only by the presence of Col. G. G. Greenough and his detach- 
ment of United States soldiers, but also by President Roosevelt, 
who sent a warm personal letter, congratulatory to the occasion. 
The old soldier sleeps, and has slept long and well, and though no 
monument has marked his resting-place, though no crowds have 
assembled to pay honored tribute to the fearless fighter and the 



14 

faith he kept so well, he has lived, as he will ever live, in the hearts 
of his countrymen. 

The exercises were conducted from a high platform, beautifully 
decorated and connected with a spacious portico of the General 
Sumter Memorial Academy. This building was erected 103 years 
ago by Gen. J. R. Kinloch, who was afterwards United States 
]\Iinister to Russia. 

The scene at the unveiling of the monument was beautiful in its 
solemn impressiveness ; all nature combining to complete the rare 
scene which seemed so naturally to be far removed from the haunts 
of men. 

The little graveyard — it is nothing more — way out in the woods, 
seems to have grown up with the pines, oaks and cedars by which 
it is surrounded, the gray moss hanging from the trees furnishing 
the one last touch needed. Here amid the solitude of nature, sur- 
rounded only by a few graves, lies the body of Sumter, and today 
the woodland quiet was broken by the tramp of thousands of feet. 
Men, women and children thronged the untrodden ways, the steady 
tramp of soldiers and the roll of the drum broke the long silence, 
and the sound of music was heard where only the wild bird sings. 
The quiet grave was surrounded by a cordon of United States sol- 
diers and all available space, including perches in trees, was filled 
by eager onlookers. 

The United States Artillery Band played ''Columbia.'" and as the 
notes died away, the Rev. H. H. Covington earnestly and eloquently 
invoked divine blessing. Within the inclosure, standing near the 
draped monument, were members of the family, the bowed form of 
]\Ir. Sebastian Sumter, 8? years old and grandson of General Sumter, 
standing apart and alone. Near by were Governor Ansel, Governor 
Montague, Lieutenant-Governor McLeod, Superintendent of Edu- 
cation Martin, Adjutant-General Boyd, Col. J. J. Dargan, Congress- 
man Lever, members of the monument commission and the speakers 
of the occasion. 

"And now all the air a solemn stillness holds." The silence was 
unbroken for a moment, as Mrs. J. Herbert Haynesworth and Miss 
Beatrice Sumter, great-great-granddaughters, pulled the cords and 
unveiled the monument. Then the band played "America," and ap- 
plause was heard. Misses Gena Dargan, Minnie Moses, Edith De- 
Lorme, Alice Moses and Mrs. W. B. Bogin then put garlands on 
the new stone shining against the green forest background, the sol- 




< i 
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H o 

id 

< S 

uj »■ 
Z< 



16 

diers present arms, the throngs go away, and once more Gen, 
Thomas Sumter is left "alone with his glory." 

After the unveiling ceremonies were over, the crowds once more 
repaired to the stand at the memorial academy. Several thousand 
people were present, special trains bringing in the military and 
visitors from various sections. 

They came in crowds — they came in wagons, buggies, carriages, 
automobiles and railway coaches ; they came in single file, by twos, 
columns of fours, battalions, companies ; they came horse, foot 
and dragoons. The beautiful grove was filled and a choice crowd 
it was. Of course the white dresses, variegated millinery, bright 
eyes and graceful figures of the Dixie girls were numerous, be- 
wildering and most attractive, but the stalwart forms of the men 
thronged all available space left for them. The crowd, in every 
respect, was as truly representative as the most ardent South Caro- 
linian could wish, and this was an added tribute to this great oc- 
casion. 

His Excellency Governor Ansel occupied the center of the stand, 
with former Governor Montague on his immediate right. Near 
Governor Montague were Lieutenant-Governor McLeod, Hon. O. B. 
Martin, Secretary of State; Adj. -Gen. J. C. Boyd, Col. J. J. Dargan, 
Gen. E. B. Cantey, Mr. A. S. Salley, Jr., and Rev. H. H. Covington. 
On the left of Governor Ansel were the Hon. R. I. Manning, Col. 
G. G. Greenough, Hon. H. A. M. Smith, H. M. Ayer, W. St. J. 
Jervey, Maj. Marion Moise, Col. R. D. Lee, Mr. Sebastian Smith 
and the direct family descendants of Gen. Thomas Sumter. Con- 
spicuous among many others were Messrs. H. E. Ravenel and Dr. 
J. W. Babcock, who, with Messrs. R. L Manning and Col. J. J- 
Dargan, chairman, compose the General Sumter Monument Com- 
mission. 

Among the crowd, having a good, easy time, was Chief J. \V. 
Bradford, of the Sumter police force, with ten picked men, all 
mounted, all having nothing to do but ride fine horses. 

Mr. Sebastian Sumter was the guest of honor, many seeking him 
out to meet and talk with him, and he held quite a reception, despite 
the fact that he is nearly ninety years old. 

Col. J. J. Dargan, ciiairman of the Sumter Monument Commission, 
in a few appropriate words, presented his Excellency Governor 
Ansel as the presiding ofiicer of the occasion. Governor Ansel was 
received with cheers and applause, repeated after the band stopped 
playing "Dixie." He paid brief but strong tribute to the true spirit 



• 17 

of tile occasion, and presented Col. R. I. Manning, whose pleasure 
it was to introduce former Governor Montague of Virginia. Colo- 
nel Manning's words of welcome for and presentation of this dis- 
tinguished Southerner were most felicitous and covered broad 
ground. 

Governor Montague had many claims upon this occasion, among 
these being the fact that he comes from Virginia, the native State 
of Thomas Sumter. He came most graciously and willingly, and 
surely he must have meant every word of his sincere appreciation 
which he so feelingly expressed, in response to the invitation which 
brought him ; and the welcome that was tendered to Governor Mon- 
tague was greeted with rousing cheers and ringing applause, and 
his speech was a strong presentation of the facts of history delivered 
with scholarly impressiveness. 

This speech is published in full and will well repay a careful 
reading. 

Governor Montague showed intimate personal knowledge of 
South Carolina history and of her great men, and his tributes to 
these, and the principles which they have stood for, brought forth 
applause throughout his remarks. 

At the conclusion of Governor Montague's splendid speech, Gov- 
ernor Ansel w'on renewed applause for himself by his thoughtful 
and cordial words of appreciation for what the speaker had so 
admirably said. 

When the nuisic ceased, Governor Ansel presented Maj. Marion 
Moise, who, in graceful words, presented the Hon. H. A. M. Smith, 
who had been requested to deliver an address on Sumter's life, in 
biographical record of his life and deeds. Mr. Smith was greeted 
with lively applause, and with earnest words of thanks for the 
honor which was his in appearing as the "orator of the occasion" — 
which statement he modestly disclaimed — he proceeded with his ad- 
dress. The speaker broke his rule not to speak on public occasions, 
in order to have the privilege of participating in these impressive 
ceremonies, and his address, published below, is a most valuable con- 
tribution to the subject. 

Governor Ansel then read the following letter from the President, 
and this patriotic letter, with the high regard which irso felici- 
tously conveyed, together with the strong sympathy it expressed for 
the real meaning of the occasion, brought applause : 



18 

"The White House, Washington, 
"Oyster Bay, N. Y., August 3, 1907. 

"My dear Colonel Dargan : Instead of a telegram, which could 
be but short, I send you this letter, which I should be glad to 
have you read, if you care to, for I take a profound interest in the 
work you are doing. There is nothing in which I believe more than 
in the advancement of the country school in America, and, of course, 
like every really good American, I must take a peculiar and special 
interest in, and feel a particular sympathy for, the unveiling of the 
monument erected to General Sumter and the dedication of the school 
to his memory. My ancestors served under General Marion, 
who was General Sumter's colleague in the War of the Revolution. 
It is eminently fit to raise a memorial to the memory of General 
Sumter, and no memorial could be so appropriate to one who was 
not only a soldier, but a peculiarly high-minded patriot, as this 
school, the erection of which means so much for all the country 
around the 'High Hills of Santee.' I congratulate the city of 
Sumter for the generous aid which it has extended, and, above all, 
I congratulate the immediate community, who have done the work 
for themselves, and who, in doing it, have so helped all the life of the 
neighborhood. It is a sincere regret to me that I can not be present 
to greet them and congratulate them in person. 

"Sincerely yours, THEODORE ROOSEVELT. 

"Col. John J. Dargan, Principal General Sumter Memorial Aca- 
demy, Stateburg, South Carolina." 

Professor Edmunds read a letter from Congressman-elect Hob- 
son, expressing his sincere regret that it was not possible for him 
to accept the courteous invitation to be present wdiich he had re- 
ceived. 

The presence of three hundred United States Regulars, under com- 
mand of Capt. G. G. Greenough, with the First Artillery Band, was 
one of the features of the occasion. Of peculiar importance was 
the detachment from the Sumter Guards of Charleston, Capt. T. T. 
Hyde commanding. The Sumter Light Infantry, Capt. W. J. Brad- 
ford commanding, completed the number of military men present. 
These added materially to the interest and success of the occasion. 
and it was no idle compliment when Col. R. D. Lee offered strong 
resolutions of thanks and appreciation for this attendance, and these 
resolutions were unanimously adopted. 

Accompanying the United States Regulars were the following 
officers: Col. E. E. Greenough, Capt. R. F. McMillan, Captain 



19 

Parkins, Lieut. J. M. Fulton, Lieut. W. H. Peak and Lieut. J. E. 
Wilson. 

Among the prominent visitors were the following: Lieut. -Gov. 
T. G. McLeod, B. F. Kelley, W. A. James, J. B. McLaughlin and 
Editor A. S. Cunningham, of Bishopville ; J. J. McMahon, of Co- 
lumbia; Dr. D. B. Johnson, of Rock Hill; Mr. V. Campbell, of Bir- 
mingham ; C. W. Birchmore, editor Wateree Messenger, and Capt. 
W. M. Shannon, of Camden ; W. McD. Green, of Oswego ; Editor 
Hartwell M. Ayer, of Florence, and Col. L. C. Hough, of Kershaw. 

Very many special features marked this occasion. Nothing was 
left undone for the comfort and pleasure of the visitors. Dr. 
George W. Dick and Mr. Hugh C. Haynesworth were chairmen of 
the entertainment committee, and many will bear grateful testimony 
to their efficiency and to their unbounded hospitality. The dinner 
was fine ; so were the thirst-quenchers, and so, also, were the choice 
brands of cigars. 

Committees from various sections of the county had very, very 
much to do. Space forbids saying more than that they did well, 
and in the circumstances there is no need to say more. 

Mr. I. D. Reardon, the capable and energetic secretary of the 
Sumter Chamber of Commerce, was the busiest man here, except 
Col. J. J. Dargan. Mr. Reardon was the right-hand man of your 
correspondent, in spite of his many duties, and his assistance was 
simply invaluable. 

Among many pleasant acknowledgments due here, your corre- 
spondent would like to say much concerning Mr. J. A. Schwerin and 
his car, the "Northern." The drive was made with Mr. Schwerin, 
General Boyd and Superintendent Martin, and "we" showed our 
heeis to everything on the road on the trip out, and on the return 
trip also. 

The true significance of all that was done today and its real mean- 
ing will be understood by the thoughtful ones who have any interest 
in the traditions of their State and who care for its reputation at 
home and elsewhere. Nothing is necessary to be said for those 
who appreciate these things, and it is useless to attempt to say any- 
thing to those for whom these things have no meaning. There 
are many who will hear, with feelings of pride and gratitude, of 
what was done 'here today. It was a privilege to be present and see 
what was done^ — to share in all that the event means. 



20 

And to one man alone is due primarily the success of this occa- 
sion in every respect. This man is Col. J. J. Dargan, and to him 
the people of the State owe a debt of gratitude. 

The exercises of the day were concluded by several addresses in 
the afternoon on educational topics, but on account of the lateness 
of the hour when the exercises were called to order and the threaten- 
ing weather, the attendance was small. Those present gave the 
closest attention to what the speakers had to say. The meeting 
was presided over by Hon. O. B. Martin, State Superintendent of 
Education, in his usual happy and pleasant manner. On introducing 
the speakers, ]\Ir. Martin made some timely remarks appropriate to 
the occasion. 

Miss ]\Iary T. Nance, president of the School Improvement Asso- 
ciation, was the first, speaker. Her address was on "The Importance 
of Rural School Work in South Carolina." It was an extremely 
interesting presentation of this work and was most charmingly de- 
livered. 

The last speaker was Mr. E. S. Dreher, Superintendent of the 
Public Schools of Columbia, whose thoughtful address was in 
answer to the question, "Shall We Educate Against Crime?" 

Colonel Dargan then made a few closing remaks in a very feeling 
manner, and the interesting exercises of this most interesting histor- 
ical occasion were closed by the singing of a peace hymn b}' the 
audience. 

It was a matter of much regret to those present that President 
D. B. Johnson was unable to be present and take part in the edu- 
cational meeting. Having just returned from attending the meeting 
of the National Educational Association at Los Angeles, Cal., he 
wrote that it was impossible for him to attend the meeting. 



21 



ADDRESS BY HON. A. J. ^lONTAGUE. 

"Upon this interesting occasion it is difficult to shut out of mind 
a reaHzing sense of that dominant force which so early gave power 
and identity of an American civilization, and in behalf of which the 
life we today commemorate spent its austere patriotism and military 
genius. 

"The fifteenth century loosened the quickening power of the two 
mighty events, akin in historic time and purpose, the invention of 
printing and the discovery of America; the two being new ways of 
thinking and new ways of living unto countless thousands, and 
bringing a new and structural concept of liberty unto the civiliza- 
tions of the world. 

"Printing required time to socialize liberty, and a hundred years 
after Columbus pressed his mailed foot upon the torrid Bahamas 
might well elapse in preparing the world for the sturdy and pro- 
gressive tread of Teutonic freedom upon the northern half of our 
hemisphere. So that when the Anglo-Saxon came to Jamestown 
in 1607 to establish and maintain themselves and their institutions, 
they soon found these institutions, and especially those of them that 
made most of the rational and ethical liberty, illuminated as never 
before by the educative power of printing, and energized as never 
before by the stimulating environment of a new world. A new 
actor, a new stage and a new light had suddenly, as runs the race of 
civilization, burst upon the visions of the peoples of the world. 

"Liberty finds its concrete genius and strength in local self-gov- 
ernment, in constitutional sanctions and limitations, in the guaranty 
of equality of individual opportunity, and in the appreciation and 
practice of personal and social responsibility. George the Third 
realized the secret sources of this bouyant and reforming force, and 
quickly began to lay upon it ;his oppressive and heavy hand, only 
to be met by the tactful, vigorous, and finally revolutionary dissent 
of his American colonies. 

"Injustice nearly always sows the seed of justice, and tyranny 
nearly always kindles the flame of liberty. The law of relativity 
holds in the political world, and the pendulum of society will swing 
back and forth. So the Colonists were early conscious of their 
wrongs and daring in expressions of enlarged conceptions of their 
rights. Nathaniel Bacon, a good hundred years before 177G, was 
crying into the ears of the royal governor of Virginia some of the 
identical notes which were to peal forth in the Great Declaration — 



22 

that governments were made for man, and not man for govern- 
ments; and that all just governments must rest upon the consent 
of the governed. From this time on the Colonists waxed and 
strengthened in the care and keeping of these great politics, and 
grew restive and defiant under the arbitrary exactions of the royal 
government. 

"South Carolina early and aggressively stood for the substitution 
of the consent of the governed for the will of an hereditary 
sovereign. Her voice was potential in calling the first Continental 
Congress in opposition to the Stamp Act. Her Assembly quickly 
approved of the resolve of this Congress in behalf of the 'cause of 
freedom and union,' and boldly transmitted them to England. Her 
Legislature voted a statue to Pitt, that lofty and inspiring apostle 
of English liberty. She published the names of her citizens who 
would not sign the non-importation agreement. She remitted 
10.500 pounds to the Society of London for supporting the Bill of 
Rights in the protection of the liberty of Great Britain and America. 
And her Rutledge, her Gadsden and her Laurens came back with 
fire upon their lips to tell that they had heard at Westminster the 
voices of Burke and Chatham, of Richmond and Rockingham, plead- 
ing the cause of the colonies, and declaring that cause right and just. 

"The masses of our people also felt that larger pulse of liberty, 
developed by the reformatory forces which I have all too briefly 
and imperfectly sketched ; and amongst the masses was a strain of 
blood of the noblest survivors of the Latin race, who came in goodly 
numbers to your shores after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, 
and who in subsequent years gave to you so many distinguished 
sons, but among them none greater than the profound publicist and 
the learned jurist, Hugh Swinton Legare. But the temper and 
character of this people in those stormy days can best be realized by 
a recital of the cold figures of her contribution to the Revolutionary 
armies. Into this army South Carolina gave 31,131 of her sons, 
outnumbering New York and almost Pennsylvania, the former 
doubling and the latter tripling her military population. 

"South Carolina was, therefore, no uncongenial soil to Thomas 
Sumter, who came from "\''irginia to the high hills of the Santee 
about the year 17'65 ; and it may be truthfully affirmed that your 
great State has received into its life no nobler spirit than that of 
this man, who was born in the County of Hanover, the birthplace 
of Patrick Henry, and of Henry Clay, and near the homes of 
Thomas Jefferson, John Taylor and Edmund Pendleton. He early 



drew his sword for :his native colony in the French and Indian wars, 
and witnessed with Washington the deserved defeat of the reckless 
Braddock, thus schooling himself for the arduous and brilliant serv- 
ice afterwards rendered his adopted State. 

"The beginning of the ending of the Revolution is embraced 
within the four years from 1777 to 1781, from Saratoga to York- 
town, a period during which active war was transferred almost 
entirely from the North to the South. The early portion of this 
period was most discouraging. Augusta and Savannah had fallen ; 
General Prevost was harrying the country with a warfare of bar- 
barism as only a buccaneer of his type could wage ; the disastrous 
and ignominous defeat of Gates at Camden saw the destruction of 
our second army within three months; the Tories were ruthless in 
their atrocities, and the Patriots retorted with unjustifiable re- 
prisals ; the Congress was a meddlesome debating society, relying 
upon words more than swords, hampering Washington, and capri- 
ciously bestowing its rewards ; the treason of Arnold was striking 
dismay into the country ; waste and depression and poverty were 
covering the land ; money was only paper and worth only paper ; 
and all combined to confirm the declaration of Walpole that 'America 
is at our feet.' 

"Yet at this time the struggle was assuming international con- 
nections and complications beneficial to America. Franklin had con- 
summated a treaty between France and the Colonies. Frederick 
the Great had not only opened the port of Dantzic to our cruisers, 
but had prohibited the Hessian soldiers passing through his domin- 
ion, thus summarily cutting ofif this powerful source of supply to 
the British army. These conditions, together with the marvelous 
resiliency of the Colonies, alarmed England, and to the amazement 
and disgust of Parliament, Lord North turned a political somer- 
sault, bringing in a programme which, if earlier presented and 
adopted, would have prevented or ended the war. Commissioners 
of North's ministry came to America only to find this mission so 
belated as to be unavailing, and completed their work by issuing 
truculent and threatening manifestoes, which were no negligible 
cause of the subsequent atrocities of the British soldiery in South 
Carolina, which so harried the State that Mr. Fiske says, 'The fit 
ground for wonder is that in spite of such adverse circumstances, 
the State of South Carolina should have shown as much elastic 
strength as she did under the severest military stress which any 



24: 

any American State was called upon to withstand during- the Revo- 
lutionary War.' 

"In this period of distress Sumter's military achievements came 
to bring hope and comfort to the American cause. His victory at 
Ramseur's Mill in May of 1780 sounded throughout the country. 
At the Williams Plantation, some weeks thereafter, he repeated his 
success in the rout and death of Colonel Ferguson and Captain 
Huck, with their large detachment of British Tories, thus giving 
the cheering incident of the first check to the British arms in the 
State. His prestige increased at the battle of Hanging Rock a few- 
days thereafter, when he destroyed the whole regiment of the Prince 
of Wales and a large band of Tories under Colonel Brian. A month 
later, we find him victorious at Musgrove's Mills, on the Enoree. 
Indeed, the simultaneous success of Sumter and Marion in this de- 
spondent period heartened the American cause and drove Corn- 
wallis again into the field, causing him to write that he would 'be 
glad to hear that Sumter is not in a condition to give him further 
trouble ; he certainly has been the greatest plague to this country,' 
and that 'but for Sumter and Marion South Carolina would be at 
peace.' 

"We soon again hear of Sumter's brilliant exploit in cutting Corn- 
wallis' line of communication and capturing his supply train, which, 
however, was neutralized by the surprise and defeat of Sumter by 
Tarleton at Fishing Creek a few days thereafter. Sumter made his 
escape and went immediately to York to recruit, and was ready to 
participate in the memorable battle of King's Mountain. Within 
a short time his star was again in the ascendant, and the people were 
quickly thrilled by his capture of ]\Iajor Weymiss on Broad Road. 
Tarleton at once undertook to retrieve this defeat only to find him- 
self outgeneraled and his whole command destroyed by Sumter at 
Black Stock Hill. After the commencement of this fight Sumter 
changed his plan of battle, thus exhibiting his military genius in 
turning unexpected exigencies to his advantage. Yet the victory 
was saddened by the dear price of a severe wound which he received 
in the breast, and which disabled him for some months. 

"Immediately upon the recovery of his health he resumed his 
work. The British considered him their worst enemy. They burned 
his home and turned his wife and son out of doors. But these 
misfortunes only strengthened his inflexible will and fired his 
mspiring activity. The battle of Cowpens, displaying the brilliant 
strategy and execution of Daniel Morgan, now came to give high 



25 

hope to the country, and the battle of Guilford Court House followed 
to turn the tide of the American Revolution. Cornwallis' plan of 
campaign was now broken. With his Southern army he was to 
effect a junction with Clinton in Virginia, thus crushing between 
the two British armies the small x\merican force. But Cowpens and 
Guilford Court House rudely shattered a scheme which was adopted 
by Grant and Sherman a century later. The battle of Guilford was 
claimed by the British, but Charles Fox, with dramatic eloquence, 
declared that 'Another such victory would destroy the British army.' 
Thus were Cornwallis' troops hurriedly and unwillingly removed 
from the Carolinas, and his surrender in October following brought 
to the full conscience of the American people the patience, the 
sagacity and the strategy of Washington in accomplishing one of the 
world's greatest achievements, with which Sumter's name, and fame, 
and glory will be indissolubly associated. 

"The termination of hostilities, however, did not end Sumter's 
public life. His courage, his probity, his candor, his freedom from 
vicissitudes of opinion or purpose, his opulent faith in the practical 
efficiency of self-government, and his military fame, gave him an 
immediate and sure place in the confidence of the people. 

"In his mission to England in 1762 for the Cherokee Indians he 
had exhibited, at an early age, an aptitude for public affairs, and 
his entrance into the Continental Congress after the Revolution 
must have been made with a confidence that he was not unfitted for 
legislative service. 

"In civil life he still clung to the great principles underlying the 
Revolution, and he believed that definite and practical results should 
crown our victorious achievement. He unquestionably realized the 
fatal futility of the government under the Articles of Confederation, 
and he gave his great influence for calling the Constitutional Con- 
vention of 1787, that the spirit and end of the struggle might be 
made effective. So it seems quite in the course of things to find 
him a member of that memorable convention, giving his counsel 
and influence in behalf of a 'more perfect union,' and a more re- 
sponsible and workable government. 

"In the first Congress under the new Constitution we again see 
his commanding presence. His words were few ; his votes were 
many, and his position upon important questions instant and de- 
cisive. He did not dodge or make dubious pairs upon roll-calls. 
He was not inflated by applause or disconcerted by hostile majorities. 
He was an ardent State Rights man when his State was Federalist 



26 

in opinion and action, and he was, therefore, opposed to the leader- 
ship of C. C. Pinckney, Wilham Smith and Wilham R. Harper. 
He aided Charles Pinckney, the minority leader, in the memorable 
national campaign of 1800, believing with all his soul that the 
defeat of Jefferson would be hardly less disastrous than civil war. 

"He opposed the bill to pension the widow of the distinguished 
General Greene. He thought Greene underestimated the militia, 
and that his conduct of the Southern department of the Continental 
army during and shortly after the war was not wholly creditable. 
His stand upon this bill indicated the positiveness of his views and 
-the fearlessness of his character. 

"Being an ardent Republican or Democrat, he consistently opposed 
the 'alien and sedition laws.' This extraordinary and vicious legisla- 
tion conflicted with his dearest political convictions, and he kept his 
seat for weeks with the hope of defeating the bill. In connection 
with this legislation it may not be inappropriate to recall an incident 
which throws no less light upon the temper of the times than upon 
Sumter's devotion to duty. His colleague in the House, Matthew 
Lyons, of Vermont, was imprisoned and fined $1,000 for violation 
of these famous laws. Sumter cordially helped Jefferson in raising 
the money to pay his fine, and upon the reappearance of Lyons in 
the House he was brutally insulted upon the floor by Griswold, of 
Connecticut, when Lyons, losing control of himself, spat in Gris- 
wold's face. For this violation of the decorum of the House a 
resolution was offered for the expulsion of Lyons. Sumter vigor- 
ously and successfully co-operated with Gallatin, Macon and others 
in defeating this resolution. 

"Upon the appointment of Charles Pinckney as Minister to Spain 
in 1801 Sumter succeeded him in the Senate, serving therein until 
1810, though the annals of Congress do not show that he was in 
his seat during the last session of his term. We read nothing from 
him in the way of speeches. Indeed, the Senate was not a forum 
of discussion until, about 1816, the majestic debates of Calhoun, 
Clay, Webster and Hayne were long after to stir and illuminate the 
republic. But here Sumter was the same direct and intrepid per- 
sonality as of old. He was still an ardent Republican or Democrat. 
He still gave vigorous support to Jefferson's policies, such as the 
twelfth amendment, the Louisiana purchase, and the impeachment 
of Justice Chase. In this famous trial Sumter voted for convic- 
tion upon four of the five specifications, his colleague. Gaillard, 
voting for acquittal upon every charge. The erratic, but brilliant. 



27 

John Randolph, of Roanoke, bunghngly managed this impeachment, 
which otherwise might have resultisd in a conviction, for Chase was 
grossly unfit for the judicial robe ; and it was perhaps Randolph's 
connection with this trial that made him once declare that if he 
'Were allowed to vote by proxy, and on that vote depended the 
welfare of the republic, he (I) would make Thomas Sumter his 
(m^y) proxy.' 

"In 1806 Sumter is still the staunch partisan of Jefferson, support- 
ing his inexpedient but righteous 'Embargo Act,' which Sumter 
approved in its entirety, save the clause giving to the President 
absolute power during the recess of Congress, when his splendid 
independence came into play in parting company with his personal 
friends and party associates. 

"Long after Sumter's retirement from political life, when we 
heard the first rumblings of the storm which was to break with 
such destructive force upon our country in 1860, his early faith 
broke forth afresh, and the early fire of his life flamed anew in his 
support of the incomparable Calhoun and his great fight for nulli- 
fication, Calhoun's panacea for settlement within the Union of con- 
flicts between the State and the nation. May I give you his own 
words in a letjter to his son in 1831? Words so characteristic of 
his energy and directness : 'If any one,' he writes, 'of the present 
generation has forgotten these wholesome truths, let them, before 
they attempt to seduce, or terrify me, read carefully the Declaration 
of Independence, the Debates on the Ratification of the Federal 
Constitution itself, and its amendments (without which it could not 
have existed five years), the Virginia and Kentucky resolutions, 
adopted in the reign of terror, the proceedings and protest of their 
own and other Legislatures on the fraudulent tariff of 1828, and 
last, because latest, the able exposition just ofl^ered to them by the 
second officer of the general government (Mr. Calhoun) of the 
principles, the policy, the powers and the limitations, ascribed in 
the Constitution to the Federal authority as distinguished from the 
residuary rights and powers retained by the State authorities of the 
same government when they formed the Constitution out of the old 
confederation.' 

"Thus his last public utterance, made at the great age of 94, was 
but a renewed expression of his faith in local self-government, 
which he had held since the pre-Revolutionary days, and of his 
unqualified approval of the State's interpretation of the doctrine of 
'State rights.' Rugged, intense, steadfast and intrepid, he still was 



28 

as the darkness of nearly a century of years was closing in upon his 
life. 

"But his life must end. He has long lain here among the hills he 
loved so well, hard by the Santee's soft requiem, and we come this 
day, after many changing years, to exalt his name and ourselves 
that we have not forgotten him. The ashes from the fierce fires 
through which he passed with so much glory to himself and to his* 
race, are now cold and blown far and about. Cornwallis and Tarle- 
ton, if living, would congratulate South Carolina in this, her com- 
memoration of their old and tireless foe, and we, the children of the 
long after years, grow daily in reverence for our 'strong mother of 
a lion line,' keeping home and traditions in her rough-blown island 
across the seas, and we make daily covenant about the altar of lib- 
erty that upon these new-found shores — 

" 'The single note 
From that deep chord which Hampden smote 
Will vibrate to the doom.' 

"But this monument is yet more to us. It is a symbol of the dear 
old unrestrained days — days happily, after bloody interruption, now 
come back to stay forever more. Here the children of a perfect 
Union may gather to drink, not of the blood of war but of the cup 
of peace, and to hear, not the tocsin of strife but the music of fra- 
ternity. Here we can come to revive in the days of our strength 
that religious patriotism which we relied upon without fail in the 
days of our weakness. Here we can come for those nourishing 
traditions of self-sacrifice that subordinate self to the community, 
the community to the State and the State to the nation. Here we 
can come to gain strength to live above the ties of friendship and 
the allurements of peace for the welfare of all the people. Here 
we can come to have our dying selves touched with a quickening 
life of scorn for all disorder, lawlessness, corruption and political 
uncleanliness. Here we can com'C, lest we forget, to beg of the God 
of all peoples to give unto us humble and contrite hearts that we 
may strive to promote justice, peace, fraternity, culture and comfort 
among all our countrymen. And here we can come to learn that 
the liberty those of old fought to achieve is but as dust in the balance 
unless we, their sons, supplement it by an educated sense of 
responsibility. 

"And now, fellow-citizens of this romantic State, I. imperfectly, 
but sincerelv, bring vou the greetings of vour older and most loving 



29 



sister, who, through the spirits of Campbell and Morgan, of WilHam 
Washington and Light Horse Harry Lee, comrades in arms upon 
your soil with the great Sumter, would bless this occasion and this 
deed which you have assembled to honor." 



30 



ADDRESS BY HENRY A. ^I. SMITH. 

We are met together today to unveil a monument to, and thereby 
to do honor to the memory of, one to whom the State of South 
CaroHna owes a debt of deepest gratitude. 

When I first received the honor of an invitation to take part in 
this ceremonial, and turned my attention to the matter and subject 
of any essay I should deliver there was brought forcibly back to 
my mind what many years ago I had discovered — that is, the exceed- 
ingly scanty information we possessed of much of the life of General 
Sumter. He is an object-lesson of how a man may attain wide 
and enduring fame and reputation during his life and yet leave 
behind him at his death nothing to tell future generations of the 
details of a life that has passed away. Whilst living everything is 
taken for granted. No one supposes it possible that ignorance can 
exist concerning one whose name and deeds are on the lips and in 
the minds of every one. But that generation passes. New figures" 
on the stage play to new audiences and it comes to pass that when 
one of a later generation turns to inquire of the details upon 
which a fame was founded that has come to him in the shape of a 
general and recognized tradition, he is perturbed to find that there 
is nothing but this general recognition and tradition upon which 
he can lay hold. 

So has it been with General Sumter. There does not exist a 
single sketch even of his life worthy of the title of a life of him. 

His contemporary in time, although subordinate in rank, 
Francis Marion, has three biographers — Weems, James and Simms. 
His contemporary and commanding officer. Gen. Nathanael Greene, 
has the bulky, two-volume life of him, by Johnson and no less 
than four other biographers. Sumter has had literally no biog- 
rapher, and to find out anything about him it has been necessary to 
pick it out of the histories of the events of the day. Concerning his 
earlier life prior — to the Revolutionary War — and his later years 
after its close there does not exist a single account of his worthy 
the name of even a sketch. 

Around Marion there has grown and clustered a wealth of 
romance. Both fiction and poetry have joined to paint him with 
all the alluring colors of admiring description, yet I venture to say 
that there is nothing in Marion's life more romantic or filled with 
more desperate adventure than Sumter's early struggles in frontier 



31 

Indian warfare, or his intrepid and gallant contests with Tarleton, 
the dashing and conquering commander of the British cavalry. 

It has seemed to me, therefore, that the most appropriate way in 
which I could testify our admiration for his character and do honor 
to his memory today would be to, as fully as possible in the narrow 
limits of a public speech, repair the indifiference of the past by giving 
as full and authentic an account of his life and exploits as it lies in 
my power to do. 

As in many other cases of men who have become famous through 
their worth and abilities, but who have been too modest to be their 
own biographers, there is very little material from wdiich to write 
the history of Sumter's early life. The date and place of his birth 
are alike uncertain. 

McCrady, in his History of South Carolina in the Revolution, 
states that he was born the 14th of July, 1736, in Hanover County. 
Virginia, and adds that his father's family were from Wales, but 
had removed to England and thence emigrated to Virginia, and that 
his mother was a Virginian of English stock.* He refers to no 
authority for this, but it has always been understood that his infor- 
mation was derived from General Sumter's descendants. As to 
date of birth, this is confirmed by Mills, whose Statistics of South 
Carolina was published in 1836, when General Sumter was still 
alive, and who states that he w'as then ninety.f 

Also General Sumter's son, Thomas Sumter, Jr., writing to his 
daughter in December, 1825, mentions that his father was then in 
his 88th year, which would carry the year of his birth back to 1736.^ 

There is, however, in the possession of General Sumter's lineal 
descendants an old leaf, which is traditionally said to be a leaf from 
the family Bible. This old leaf has written upon it in quite archaic 
script the following entries : 

Wm. Sumter was born in Hanover County, in Virginia, on the 29 October, 
1731. 

Thomas Sumter was born in said county on August 14, 1734. 

From the reminiscences of John Redd, later referred to, we learn 
he had a brother, William. Taking into consideration the family 
tradition as to the leaf in question being from the family Bible, the 
appearance of the entries upon it and their particularity, corrobo- 
rated by the fact that he had a brother William, evidently the one 

*McCrady : The History of South Carolina in the Revolution, 1775-1780, 
p. 564. 

tMills : Statistics of South Carolina, p. 746. 
{Original MS. in possession of R. J. Brownfield, Esq. 



32 

referred to in the first entry, it would seem most likely that the 
exact date of his birth was as stated in the entry, the 14th of August, 
1734, and that he was born in Hanover County. He was, therefore, 
younger than his great contemporary, Francis Marion, who was 
born, it is believed, in 1732. 

Since the publication of McCrady's history some more material 
concerning the birthplace and early life of General Sumter has been 
made available by the publications of the Virginia Historical Society. 
In a letter written by John Redd, of Henry County, Virginia, to Dr 
Lyman C. Draper, and dated 13th June, 1850, giving Mr. Redd's 
recollections and reminiscences of people in his section, he states : 

4th. Gen'l Siimpter's Mother was a Widow when I first knew her, which 
was when I was quite a small boy. When 1 left Orange County in 17T4 the 
Old Lady was then living. I tliink she lived several years afterward and died 
in Orange. I know nothing of Gen'l Sumpter's hoyliood days nor of his 
father. His education was only sucli as could he obtained in his day at 
neighborliood scliools. I don't know when or whom he married; I think, tho, 
he married some Lady of Soutli Carolina. During the latter part of the 
Revolution his Bro., Wm., moved to S. Carolina. I don't know what finally 
became of him. 

********** 

The greatest intimacy always existed between Gen'l Martin, Gen. Sumpter 
and Col. Cleveland. They were very wild in their youthful days. Cleveland I 
don't think was hardly as wild as the other two. I recollect a circumstance 
M'hich not only shows the intimacy between Gen'l Sumpter and INIartin & their 
fondness for pleasure, but also Gen'l Sumpter's strict honesty. The first year 
I think it was that Gen'l Sumpter was elected to Congress from S. Carolina, 
while on his way to Washington he stopped at Richmond. As soon as he 
stopped at a hotel he sent up to the Capitol for Martin & myself, who were 
members of the Legislature there. He was highly pleased at meeting with 
us — particularly his old companion, Martin, whom he had not seen for some 
twenty-five years. They called each other by the familiar names, Joe & Tom. 
Time passed rapidly & pleasantly while they talked of the events of their 
youthful days. Just before Sumter started (for he staid only a few hours) 
he asked Martin if he recollected the last frolic they had at Johnson's. 
Martin said that they had really liad so many he could not. Sumpter said 
he recollected it well, and should never forget it; for, said he, I lost all my 
money playing cards & you loaned me five pounds. Martin said he had no 
recollection whatever of the transaction, and Sumpter must be mistaken. 
Sumpter said he kneto he owed the money, and, putting his hands in his 
pockets, he pulled out ten guineas and said he sJwuld take it.* 

In the reminiscences of the same John Redd, published as separate 
from his letter to Dr. Draper, he again states concerning General 
Sumter : 

*Virg\)ua Magazine of History dud Biography. Vol. 7, pp. 402, 403. 



33 

Gen. Thorn Sumpter was also born and raised in the nper end of Orange 
County, near the blue ridge. I never new his Father, for he died before my 
reckollection, his mother lived to be quite an old woman, beloved and 
resjiected by all who knew her, the father of Gen. Sumpter was not wealthy, 
though in easy circumstances. I do not know how many Brothers or Sisters 
Gen. Sumpter had. I new his bro., Wni., who was not of much note. I also 
new one Sister of his, who married a man by the name of Lan. Gen. Sumpter, 
I think, had only one son, who was sent as Minister or Consul to some foreign 
Court and there died.f 

********** 

Gen. Sumpter was born & raised in the county of Orange, in the State of 
Virginia. Some years before the Revolutionary war Sum^Dter was sent by 
order of the Government in charge of several Indians of note to England, 
where he remained for some time, and then returned home with his red com- 
jjanions. I supj^ose the object of his mishion to England was that the Indians 
might see the power and resources of the British Government, and thereby 
learn the folly of raising their army against their white brethren on this side 
of the Atlantic; after Sumpter returned from England he removed to South 
Carolina and there established for himself a reputation which is obtained by 
but few.* 

In the same magazine is published a sketch of the distinguished 
Virginian, Gen. Joseph Martin, written by his son, WilHam Martin. 
Gen. Joseph Martin was born in 1740, in Albemarle County, Virginia, 
and died in Henry County, Virginia, in 1808. This sketch of him is 
contained in the form of a letter from William Martin to Dr. Lyman 
C. Draper, dated 1st June, 1842. 

In this sketch Mr. Martin states that his father ran off from his 
apprenticeship during the war in 1756, and joined the army at Fort 
Pitt, now Pittsburgh, and adds : 

My father, in his raising among other boys of the same temperament, 
became associated with Tom — Gen. Sumpter, who so distinguished himself as 
the partizan chief in South Carolina during the war of the Revolution, and 
went with him to the war. Behold these two hapless youths; those turl)ulent 
spirits that could not be tamed with the ordinary pursuits of civil life, rushing 
along, like water, seeking its own level, four or five hundred miles through 
mostly a wilderness, interspersed with hostile savages, in quest of aliment that 
might satisfy their craving appetites. Little did they or anybody else think at 
the time that these were some of the rising spirits that were to lead in the revo- 
lution, which afterwards gave liberty to this country. How long they remained 
in the army or the part they acted there is not known, though it is thought a 
good while. Sumpter returned first. My father on his return found him in 
jail at Staunton, Virginia, for debt. He obtained permission to lodge a night 
in prison with his friend. In the morning, when he went out, he left with 
Sumpter his tomahawk and ten guineas, and with one or both of which he 

fVirginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 7, p. 5. 
*Ibid., p. 243. 



34 

escaped from prison. Soon afterwards he went to South Carolina, changed his 
course of life and became distinguished, as is known to all who have read the 
history of the Revolution. Thus were they separated for many years; and 
until at length my father was at Richmond, Virginia, a member of the 
legislature. Sumpter was a member of Congress, and on his way home called 
at Richmond, where they met for the first time in more than thirty years. 
What a meeting this must have been! to talk over old matters and things! 
They had both now become old and highly elevated in the temple of Fame. 
What proud satisfaction they must have felt in the retrospection ! Before 
they separated Sumpter handed my father twenty guineas — having reference 
to the prison. t 

Appleton's Encyclopedia of American Biography states that 
Sumter was present at Braddock's defeat in 1755 and seems after- 
ward to liavc been engaged in military service on the frontier. 

McCrady, in his history, states that he served in the Virginia 
provincial corps in the French and Indian wars, and was present at 
Braddock's defeat in 1755, and that he was sent by Governor Din-- 
widdie, of Virginia, on a mission to the Cherokees and accompanied 
the Indian chiefs to England in 1762. ij: 

Neither gives any reference or authority for these statements. 
The family tradition as contained in a MS. sketch of General Sumter 
by his granddaughter, Miss Brownfield, is to the effect as stated by 
McCrady, who obtained his information from her. The same tradi- 
tion is stated in an obituary of General Sumter, published in The 
Sumter Gazette for June 9, 1833 — probably obtained from some 
one of General Sumter's descendants at the time.*'^-' 

Great weight, however, should fairly be attached to the recollec- 
tions of John Redd and William Martin. Mr. Redd personally knew 
both General Sumter's mother and his brother, William, and was 
himself present at the interview between Sumter and Gen. Joseph 
Martin at Richmond, where Sumter paid his old friend twenty 
guineas. 

There is nothing directly from Gen. Joseph Martin, who died in 
1808, but the account of his son, William Martin, who wrote in 1842 
— but who had been old enough in 1775 to accompany his father 
on an expedition to Tennessee — is an account by one who was in a 
position to hear, and did hear, at first hand.* If his father and 

^Virginia Magazine of History and Biography , Vol. 8, pp. 350, 351. 

IMcCrady : The History of South Carolina in the Revolution. 17T5-1780, 
p. 564. 

**In a list of persons who took the oath of allegiance to the Commonwealth of 
Virginia in Henry County, on 30th May, 1777, is mentioned George Sumpter. 
(^Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 9, p. 18.) 

*Il)id., Vol. 8, p. 358. 



35 

Sumter had been present at so notable an occurrence as Braddock's 
defeat he would scarcely have failed to mention it. He says they 
joined the army in 1756, whereas Braddock's defeat took place in 
1755.t 

The authenticity of the Martin reminiscences is strengthened by 
the circumstances that the earliest known letter of General Sumter 
in existence is dated 7th December, 1763, and is addressed to Mr. 
Joseph Martin, whom he addressed as "Friend and Loving- Com- 
rade," and mentions a debt he owes him.J 

The following MS. notes, made by Dr. Lyman C. Draper, have 
been furnished by a descendant of General Sumter : 

■38th November, 1761. Thos. Sumter, with Lieut. Timberlake, left Great 
Isld, on Tenn. River, to go to the Cherokee Nation. 

On the 15th May Thos. S. embarked at Hampton Roads, Va., for England, 
& arrived at Portsmouth on the 16th June, 176-2, with 3 Indians. Ortinaco, 
the Indian Chief, among them, & Lieut. Timberlake. The sloop Epreuve, Capt. 
Peter Blake, was the Ship which took them to England. 

About the 25th August, 1762, Thos. Sumter embarked with the three 
Indian Chiefs, & without Lieut. Timberlake, for Charleston on the same ship 
which had taken him to England. 

Dr. Draper's notes as furnished give no references for these state- 
ments, but in The South-Carolina Gazette (No. 1-155) for 5th June, 
1767, the statement is made that Judd's friend, one of the principal 
headmen of the Cherokee Nation, had gone to Virginia, and had 
permission to go to England in one of the King's ships. 

In the Gazette (No. 1476) for 30th October, 1763, under the 
head of the local Charles Town news, it is stated : 

Thursday last arrived here his Majesty's Snow Epreuve, commanded by 
Capt. Peter Blake, with Judd's friend and the two other Cherokee Indians that 
attended him, who went to England on the said Snow in June last. 

And in No. 1481 for December 4, 1762 : 

Judd's friend and the two other Cherokees that returned with him from 
England in his Majesty's Snow, the Epreuve, set oif from ninety-six the 18th 
ulto. for the Cherokee Nation well pleased. 

No mention is made of Thomas Sumter, or Ortinaco, unless the 
same Indian chief was intended by the name "Judd's Friend." 

From all which we can infer that he was born in Virginia, probably 
in Hanover County, on the 14th August, 1734; that he received only 

tAn examination of the roll of the Virginia provincial regiment which accom- 
panied Braddock — if it be in existence — would disclose whether the names of 
Sumter and Martin appeared. 

XPublications Southern History Association, Vol. 11, p. 81. 



,36 

such education as could be obtained from the ordinary country 
school of the time (as is evidenced by his spelling, grammar and 
vocabulary in his letters) ; that 'he served in the war against the 
French and Indians, either at or just after Braddock's defeat; that 
he accompanied in some capacity the Indian chiefs sent bv Governor 
Dinwiddie to England in 17G2, and on his return went to South 
Carolina in October, 1762. We have no account of his movements 
from October, 17G2, to IMarch. 1763/== 

From this date in 1763 we have the record evidence of his presence 
and life in South Carolina. On 26th March, 1763, The South-Caro- 
lina Gazette of that date mentions that a Frenchman had been lately 
delivered up by Mr. Sumter to Lieut. Charles Taylor, commandant 
at Fort Prince George Keehowee, adding: 

If the great warrior had been in the nation, 'tis thought Mr. Sumter would 
not iiave been suffered to bring him away. 

In the Gazette of 23d April, 1763, it is stated that the French 
prisoner taken by Mr. Sumter in the Cherokee Nation in February 
had been that week brought to town. 

It is not stated in what capacity ]\Ir. Sumter was in the Cherokee 
Nation, nor is his personal name given; he is styled Mr. Sumter. In 
the light of what follows there is little room to doubt it was Thomas 
Sumter. In his letter to Joseph Alartin, before alluded to, dated 7th 
December, 17 63, Sumter says: 

If you intend out next spring. I wish you Good success in all your 
Partention, and if I Go myself I shall have a Coinpany, which by the promises 
that I have liad I have Great Reason to Expect it. 

This would appear to refer to some expectation he had of being 
appointed to command a company in some proposed Indian expedi- 
tion. In 1761 the expedition from South Carolina, under the com- 
mand of Colonel Grant, had so thoroughly humbled the Cherokees 
that no expedition from South Carolina against them was in con- 
templation — at least from South Carolina. There may have been, 
however, from the more northern colonies. 

In 1766 he purchased from Aquilla ]\Iiles a tract of two hundred 
acres of land on the south side of the Santee River, in the eastern 
part of what is now Orangeburg County. f He was in South Caro- 

*An examination of Dr. Draper's MS. volumes at the Historical Society 
library in Madison, Wis., might clear up these uncertainties. They are said to 
number several volumes. 

tMesne Conveyance records, Charleston, book Z, No. 3. p. 267. 



37 

lina earlier than that, for in 17G5 he mortgaged slaves to William 
Fkidd, of St. John's Parish, Berkeley.f 

On October 25, 1768, in a bill of sale describing himself as Thomas 
Sumter, of Craven County, merchant, he sold a female slave to 
Miss Lynch Roberts.^ 

On the 21st June, 1769, he mortgaged seven negro slaves to secure 
the loan of £1,050, currency of the province.** 

On 18th November, 1769, describing himself as "Thomas Sumter, 
storekeeper," of St. Mark's Parish, Craven County, he mortgaged 
sixteen men, three boys, ten women and three girl slaves to secure 
a loan of £5,000, currency of the province. tf 

In explanation, it should be sfeted that St. Mark's Parish was 
created in 1757, and included what is now Sumter and Clarendon 
counties. 

On 1st June, 1771, we find Thomas Sumter and Mary, his wife, 
of the parish of St. Mark, conveying to Samuel Dubois the two 
hundred acres he had purchased from Aquilla Miles. Jlj: 

Exactly when the marriage of Sumter took place can not be said, 
as there appears to be no record remaining. Some time evidently 
between 1763 and 1768 — when his eldest child was born. 

He married a widow — Mrs. Mary Jameson, who had been Miss 
Mary Cantey.^f She was the daughter of Joseph Cantey, of St. 
Mark's Parish, and the granddaughter of Capt William Cantey,* 
originally of Ashley River, and possibly the same Captain Cantey 
who, at the siege of Charles Town, by the French and Spaniards in 
1706, distinguished himself, with Captain Fenwicke, by defeating a 
party of the enemy who had landed on Wando Neck; and who, in 
November, 1711, accompanied Col. James Moorefl in his expedition 
to North Carolina against the Tuscaroras.|* 

Sumter continued in St. Mark's Parish, and the following grants 
of land to him prior to 1775 appear of record : 

] ,000 acres on the north side of the Santee, granted 27th Novem- 
ber, 1770. 

tMortgage book, 3B, office of Historical Commission, Columbia. S. C. 

tProbate Court records, Charleston, 1767-1771, p. 26. 

**Mortgage book, 3A. p. 462, office of Historical Commission. 

ttMortgage book, 3C, p. 18. 

+JM. C. R., Charleston, book Z, No. 3. p. 267. 

*tProbate Court, Charleston, book MM. p. 79. 

*Ibid., book 177-1-1778, p. 410. 

tJMcCrady says. Vol. 1, p. 499. that he accompanied Col. John Barnwell in 
his expedition in 1712, but this is an error. Captain Cantey accompaniel Colonel 
Moore in the later expedition in 1713. 

$*The Captain Cantey may have been John, not William, Cantey — as both seem 
to have been termed "Captain" at that time. 



38 

4.50 acres in St. ^Mark's Parish, granted -ith Alay, 1771. 

750 acres on Tawcaw Creek, granted 2od January, 1773. 

550 acres on Potato Creek, granted 30th September, 1774. 

In 1775 we find him a prosperous and prospering planter and 
merchant of St. Mark's Parish, in which he had been resident for 
ten years, and married to a member of one of the oldest families in 
the province.''' 

In the year 1775, he entered upon the sphere of public life in the 
service of South Carolina in which he was to continue for near 
forty years. 

The first organized meeting of the inhabitants of the province 
of South Carolina held, as in anyway representing the province as 
a whole to consider measures to act in unison with the other colonies 
in resistance to the arbitrary -actions of the British ministry, was 
held in Charles Town in July, 1774. This meeting, although some- 
times styled a provincial congress, was in no sense such. It was 
practically the congregating together of whosoever chose to come to 
the meeting. It originated in a call issued by the inhabitants of 
Charles Town to the rest of the province for a general provincial 
meeting. The people were at liberty to elect as many deputies as 
they chose, or, if they saw fit, to attend in person without sending 
deputies. 

The meeting was begun in Charles Town on the 6th of July, 1774. 
One hundred and four deputies attended from all parts of the 
province. It was, however, determined that votes should be given 
by each person present, and not by representation of sections, and 
that whoever chose to attend might do so and give his vote. This 
general meeting sat for three days, adopted certain resolutions, 
elected deputies to represent the province in the Continental Congress 
to be held in Philadelphia, and appointed a general committee of 
ninety-nine persons to continue in authority until the next general 
meeting. 

It is not known if Sumter attended this meeting. There is no 
known list of persons who did attend, and the informal character 
of the meeting itself would seem to have precluded any such list 
being made.f 

In November, 1774, this general committee of ninety-nine persons 
arranged for a general meeting of the inhabitants of the province 

♦According to the family tradition, Mrs. Sumter died in 1817, a little over 
9.3 years of age. 

tDrayton's Memoirs, Vol. 1. pp. 112, 126; Ramsay's Revolution in South 
Carolina, Vol. 1, p. 18; Aloultrie's Memoirs, Vol. 1, p. 10. 



39 

by representation — the number of representatives from the different 
sections of the province being apportioned to an aggregate of one 
hundred and eighty-four members. To the district lying eastward 
of the Wateree River was allotted ten representatives, and the 
Congress was to meet in Charles Town on the 11th of January, 1775. 

The Congress met on the day set, and is generally known as the 
First Provincial Congress. Thomas Sumter was elected as one of 
the ten delegates from the district east of the Wateree River. The 
other nine delegates were : Col. Richard Richardson, Joseph Ker- 
shaw, Ely Kershaw, Matthew Singleton, William Richardson, Aaron 
Loocock, William Wilson^ Robert Patton and Robert Carter. 

The journals of this Congress are not in existence in any extended 
form, and it is not possible, therefore, to say what part Sumter took 
in its deliberations. That he was present and did take part would 
appear from his being selected as one of the committee for the district 
eastward of the Wateree River to carry into execution the Conti- 
nental Association, which had been approved and resolved upon by 
the Congress.* 

This Congress adjourned on the 17th January, 1775, but on receipt 
of the news of the battle of Lexington in May, 1775, the General 
Committee summoned the Provincial Congress to meet again on the 
1st June, 1775. 

On the fourth day after its meeting the Provincial Congress 
determined to provide effective means for the military protection of 
the province, and to that end resolved to raise three regiments — two 
regiments of foot and one regiment of cavalry, or rangers. f 

The military system of the province at the time was based upon a 
militia system. The whole province was divided into separate 
military districts, in which each regiment and company was composed 
of the arms-bearing population residing in a defined area.$ The 
ofificers had their commissions — as colonel, major, captain, etc., as 
the case might be, in the militia. The system was compulsory — i. e., 
upon the exigencies provided for by law this militia was summoned 
out and was bound to appear and do military duty, but only for a 
limited time. Like all militia serving without pay (except when 
actually drafted for service) and in pursuance of a legal duty, it 
represented a more or less uncertain quantity, and the determination 
of the Congress to raise these regiments was to provide for a certain 
fixed military establishment under military discipline to meet the- 

*Monltrie's Meiiwirs, Vol. 1, p. 45; 

tibid., p. 64; Ramsay, Vol. 1, p. 34; Drayton, Vol. 1, p. 255. 

tDrayton, Vol. 1, p. 357. 



40 

emergency of the impending conflict. The officers of these regi- 
ments were then elected by the Provincial Congress. Sumter was not 
elected an officer at that time. Francis Alarion was elected a captain 
in the Second Regiment, of which William Moultrie was elected 
colonel. William Thomson was elected lieutenant-colonel of the 
regiment of rangers, and Moses Kirkland was elected one of the 
captains in Thomson's regiment of rangers.** 

The Provincial Congress adjourned on 22d June, 1775, but before 
adjournment elected a Council of Safety, composed of thirteen 
members. To this Council of Safety was given the most ample and 
enlarged powers for the conduct of the government and the prose- 
cution of the defence of the province. That Sumter was an applicant 
for a military position at the time would appear from the following 
circumstances : 

In July, 1775, William Henry Drayton and the Rev. William 
Tcnncnt were sent l)y the Council of Safety as commissioners to 
the back country to endeavor to quiet and appease the very serious 
condition of unrest and disaiTection to the revolutionary adminis- 
tration and its measures which existed among the people in the 
upper and back country. 

The commissioners left Charles Town early in August, 171 o, and 
on August 7 addressed a communication to the Council of Safety 
from the Congaree store, near Granby, in which they say : 

We have consulted with Col. Richardson [Col. Richard Richardson, colonel 
of the Camden regiment of militia*] touching Mr. Sumter's application to the 
Council. The Colonel readily approved not only of the measure, but of the 
man, notwithstanding Kirkland [a disaffected Tory, who had been a Whig] 
recommended him as his successor in the company of rangers, which he has so 
treacherously quitted and attempted to disband. The Colonel nevertheless, 
from his seeming connection with Kirkland, purposes to keep a sharp eye upon 
Mr. Sumter's conduct.t 

To this the Council of Safety replied on the 13th August, 1775 : 

We think it best to postpone the consideration of a military appointment for 
Mr. Sumpter until your return, or till we more clearly imderstand what duty 
he projjoses to take upon liimself and upon what consideration.^ 

In the minutes of the Provincial Congress, which sat in February, 
1776, he appears as Captain Sumter. He was then a captain in 
Richardson's regiment of militia, the St. Mark's Parish Regiment. 

**Moultrie, Vol. 1, p. 6.5. 

*Drayton, Vol. 1, p. 308. 

tGibbes's Documentary History, 1764-1776, p. 129. 

tSouth Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Vol. 1, p. 131. 



41 

The position of affairs in the back country had become so threat- 
ening in November, 1775, that Col. Richard Richardson had been 
ordered to march to the assistance of Major Andrew WiUiamson, 
who was then actually besieged at Ninety Six by the Tory insurgents. 
Colonel Richardson was in command of the army, which, in addition 
to his own regiment and other bodies of militia, included Col. 
William Thomson's regiment of rangers. This advance of Colonel 
Richardson was entirely successful. All armed opposition was put 
down, the insurrection crushed and the leaders of the insurgents 
taken, while their followers were largely disarmed. The campaign 
was carried on under circumstances of uncommon exposure and 
hardship, so as to give it the name of the "Snow Campaign," but so 
successful was its result that the Provincial Congress in March, 1776, 
presented their thanks to Colonel Richardson and the officers and 
men under his command, for the important and signal services they 
had rendered.* On this campaign Capt. Thomas Sumter was con- 
stituted, by Colonel Richardson, adjutant-general, and Major Joseph 
Kershaw was appointed major of brigades, commissary-general and 
treasurer.! Drayton says : 

All of which appointments, were conducted and filled by the two above 
named officers, in a manner highly honorable to themselves; and advantageously 
for the public service. J 

A new election had been held for members of the Provincial Con- 
gress in August, 1775, and Thomas Sumter was again elected as a 
delegate from the district eastward of the Wateree River — thus 
becoming a member of the Second Provincial Congress. This Pro- 
vincial Congress met on November 1, 1775, and in November, 1775, 
raised a regiment of artillery, constituting the fourth regular 
regiment in the service of the province.** 

The Provincial Congress adjourned on the 30th November, 1775, 
to meet again on the 1st February, 1776, having elected a new 
Council of Safety, with powers still more enlarged than the former. 
The Provincial Congress having reassembled on the 1st February, 
1776, on the 22d February augmented their military establishment 
by raising two rifle regiments — thus making a total of six regiments 
in the military establishment. Thomas Sumter was elected lieuten- 
ant-colonel commandant of the second of these regiments, being 
the sixth regiment in order of the whole. At the same time William 

*Drayton, Vol. 2, p. 137. 
tibid., p. 135. 
JIbid., p. 13.5. 
**Moultrie, Vol. 1, p. 93. 



42 

Henderson was appointed major of this second regiment of rifle- 
men. ff 

In April, 1776, the Second Provincial Congress, of which Sumter 
was a member as a delegate from the district east of the Wateree 
River, resolved itself into the General Assembly of the State and 
adopted a full form of government — executive, legislative and judi- 
cial — and elected and appointed the president, council, judges and 
other proper officers to carry on the government, and, after providing 
for the election of a General Assembly to be held in October, 1776, 
adjourned on the 11th April, 1776. 

The attack on Charles Town in June, 1776, found Sun^ter, with his 
regiment, as part of the defensive force in the city. Whilst Col. 
William jMoultrie, of the Second Regiment, was in command of the 
fort on Sullivan's Island, which became the object of the British 
attack. Colonel Thomson, of the Third Regiment, was placed in 
command of a force on the eastern end of the island to hold that 
part of the island and prevent Sir Henry Clinton, who was with a 
large British force on Long Island (now called the Isle of Palms), 
from crossing over to Sullivan's Island. Colonel Sumter appears 
to have been stationed along the mainland, from Haddrell's Point 
(now Mount Pleasant) towards Long Island to repel any attempted 
crossing of the enemy from Long Island to the mainland.* Of the 
force so stationed, consisting of his own regiment, with detachments 
from other regiments, he seems to have been in command. f 

As the conflict that took place on the 28th June, 1776, was confined 
to the attack by the fleet of Fort Moultrie, and the skirmish between 
Colonel Thomson's force and the enemy on Long Island, Colonel 
Sumter had no active part in it. 

In August, 1776, Gen. Charles Lee undertook an expedition to 
East Florida with the expectation of easily taking possession of St. 
Augustine. He was allowed the assistance of the military establish- 
ment of South Carolina. Detachments from the four first regi- 
ments accompanied him on the 11th August, 1776.$ The remainder 
of the troops, including Sumter's regiment, followed. The expedi- 
tion did not proceed beyond Savannah.** There General Lee 
received, in September, an express, calling him northward, whither 
he departed at once, expressing before he left his high sense of the 

ttMoultrie, Vol. 2, p. 124 ; Drayton, Vol. 2, p. 1T5. 

*Moultrie, Vol. 1, pp. 142, 1.50-155. 

tFrar Book. Charleston, 1898, pp. 383-384. 

JMoultrie. Vol. 1, p. 185. 

**Charleston Year Book, 1889, p. 233 ; Drayton, Vol. 2, p. 335. 



43 

conduct and behavior of the officers of the South CaroHna troops.J 
These troops suffered terribly from sickness incurred in the expedi- 
tion to Georgia, whence they were gradually withdrawn. 

In June and July, 1776, the Continental Congress passed a resolu- 
tion to take upon the Continental military establishment all troops 
upon the regular establishments of the colonies. In pursuance of 
this action of Congress, the General Assembly of South Carolina, 
on 20th September, 1776, transferred to the Continental Establish- 
ment the six regiments of regulars. This included Colonel Sumter's 
regiment. All the officers of these regiments exc^hanged their com- 
missions hitherto held from the province for commissions in the 
Continental service of the same grade, entering the Continental line 
as yoimgest officer of their respective ranks.* Sumter, therefore, 
became a colonel in the Continental service, his commission ranking 
as of that date. 

Exactly when Sumter had received his commission as colonel does 
not appear. He was originally, in February, 1776, appointed lieu- 
tenant-colonel of the Sixth Regiment. f There is no distinct 
mention of his appointment as colonel, but inasmuch as the orders 
of the time designating him to sit in courts-martial and referring 
to him for other duties, refer to him as Colonel Sumter, — and these 
references are in the military order books of the time, and must be 
presumed to denote rank and precedence with military exactness, — 
there can be no doubt he had received his commission. $| 

At the same time there is mentioned Lieutenant-Colonel Hender- 
son, of the Sixth Regiment. If Henderson, who had been originally 
appointed major, was later lientenant-colonel, Sumter, who com- 
manded the same regiment, was evidently colonel.** 

On the 26th September, 1776, Francis Marion, then major of the 
Second Regiment, received his commission as lieutenant-colonel of 
that regiment. ff 

Sumter, therefore, ranked Marion by seniority of promotion in 
the Continental line. Neither of them seems ever to have received 
any higher rank in the Continental service. 

In 1777 the command of the troops in South Carolina, after the 

tMoultrie, Vol. 1, p. 186; Drayton, Vol. 2, p. 386. 

*Moultrie, Vol. 1, p. 187 ; McCrady, Vol. 3, p. 298;. Drayton, Vol. 2, p. 383. 

tRamsay's Rev., Vol. 1, p. 52. 

ttMoultrie, Vol. 1, p. 195 ; South Carolina Historical and Genealogical Maga- 
::ine. Vol. 7, pp. 137, 196, 197, 201 ; Vol. 8, p. 84. 

**Ibid., Vol. 8, pp. 20, 73; Charleston Year Book for 1895, pp. 335, 337, 339, 
341, 342. 

ttCharleston Year Book for 1895, p. 332 ; Drayton, Vol. 2, p. 337 ; Gibbes' 
Documentary History, Vol. 2, p. 45. 



44 

departure of General Lee and Gen. James Moore, devolved upon 
Gen. Robert Howe, who, upon information that the enemy were 
about to invade Georgia, went off to Savannah, where he was 
followed by a strong detachment of the Continental troops in South 
Carolina, and General Sumter, with his regiment, must have been 
part of it, as in March, 1777, his regiment was in Savannah, whence 
they returned some time in June. 

In December, 1777, Sumter was in Charles Town, as on the 13th 
December he sat as a member of a council of war to pass upon the 
question w^hether detachments from the Continental regiments could 
with propriety be sent on the proposed expedition. In the names 
of the officers composing the council he is styled "Colonel Sumpter," 
whereas Ellio'tt and Marion, who were also members, are styled 
"Lieut. Col."t 

Sumter seems to have continued with his regiment on service in 
and around Charles Town, for his regiment and himself are 
mentioned until April, 1778, in an order book of the First Regi- 
ment which has been published, and in Moultrie's letters. The 
last reference we have, to him at this period is in a letter from Gen- 
eral Moultrie to General Howe, dated. April 10, 1778, wherein 
Sumter's regiment is mentioned as being in Charles Town.'^ The 
order book of the First Regiment refers to the regiment as in 
Charles Town 5th February, 1778.$ From that date until after 
the fall of Charles Town in 1780 we find no mention of him in 
military service. He is not mentioned in any of the military opera- 
tions during the last half of 1778, or in 1779, or the first half of 1780. 

The late Gen. Wilmot G. DeSaussure prepared a list of the names 
of the officers who served in the South Carolina regiments on the 
Continental Establishment. This list was printed by order of the 
I^egislature of South Carolina in 1886, and republished in the Year 
Book of the City of Charleston for 1893. In this list it is stated 
that he resigned on September 23, 1778. No authority for this 
statement is given. The list gives his rank as lieutenant-colonel 
of the Sixth Regiment, which is evidently a mistake, as he was a 
full colonel. McCrady, in his history, states that domestic affliction 
having come upon him in the loss of all his children but one, the 
inactivity of the service at the time induced him to resign in Septem- 
ber, 1777.** 

tMoultrie. Vol. 1, p. 190. 

*Ibid.. 20"). 

tSouth Carolina Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Vol. 7. p. 20. 

**McCrady, Vol. 3, p. 565. Evidently a misprint for 1778. 



45 

However all this may be, in February, 1780, the Continental Con- 
gress resolved to reduce the five infantry regiments on the Establish- 
ment in South Carolina to three. The five regiments before known, 
respectively, as the First, Second, Third, Fifth and Sixth, were 
combined and reduced to three, and the officers named were: Col. 
C. C. Pinckney to the First, Lieutenant-Colonel Marion to the Sec- 
ond and Colonel Thomson to the Third, with Henderson as lieu- 
tenant-colonel of the Third. The Fourth Regiment — the artillery 
regiment — does not seem to have been included in the reduction. 

Before that date Colonel Sumter must have ceased to hold any 
active office in the Continental service and to have retired to the care 
of his private affairs — to reappear later for the most eminent part of 
his career. f 

On the 13th April, 1780, Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, at the head 
of the British ■ cavalry, surprised and practically destroyed the 
American cavalry, commanded by General Huger. at Monck's Cor- 
ner. On 12th May Charles Town had been surrendered to the 
British, under Sir Henry Clinton, carrying with this surrender the 
entire regular American army in South Carolina. On the 6th 
May Tarleton had again surprised and defeated the remnants of 
the American cavalry at Lenud's Ferry, on the Santee. The only 
organized body of American troops left in South Carolina was a 
force of about 350 Continentals, under Colonel Buford, of Virginia, 
who, after the fall of Charles Town, was in full retreat towards 
North Carolina. Tarleton pursued him with great celerity — came up 
with him at Waxhaws, in the present Lancaster County, and, al- 
though having a much inferior force, attacked at once and practically 
destroyed Buford's entire force. — Tarleton's troops refusing quarter, 
and continuing the massacre after surrender in a way that gave pro- 
verbial force to the term "Tarleton's quarters." 

The effect of this succession of defeats was to practically termi- 
nate armed resistance in South Carolina. The entire State lay, 
as it seemed, prostrate and helpless at the mercy of the enemy. 

On the 4th June, 1780, Sir Henry Clinton wrote from his head- 
quarters in Charles Town that he could assert that there were few 
men in Sou'th Carolina who were not either his prisoners or in arms 
with him. 

This was true. Every Continental organization had been cap- 
tured or dispersed. The militia was stunned and despondent at 

IGeneral Howe in a letter to General Moultrie, dated Sunberry, Ga., December 
8, 1778, mentions Colonel Henderson's regiment. Moultrie, Vol. 1, 249. 



46 

home, waiting each man to see what would be the next step. The 
only armed men in the field were the British troops and their Tory 
sympathizers, who now gathered, organized and began to assert 
themselves. It was the low-est ebb of the tide. 

In his pursuit of Buford, Tarleton passed through Clermont, now 
the region around Stateburg, in Sumter County. In his passage 
the British went to the* plantation of Sumter and burned his house, 
turning his family out of doors. In the preface of some verses 
on Sumter, published in the CJiarlcstoii Courier on 14th November, 
18G3, the writer states that General Sumter was roused from sleep 
by his servants on the approach of the British and took shelter in 
a thicket, within a few hundred yards of his family mansion, and 
from that place he saw his family expelled from the dwelling, which 
was then, set on fire and destroyed. 

McCrady, in his history, says he left his house a few hours before 
Tarleton reached his plantation and escaped into North Carolina, 
and that Tarleton, on reaching Sumter's plantation and finding he 
was gone, burnt his house.* 

Buford's force had been destroyed on the 29th May, 1780. Within 
less than two months thereafter, viz., about the middle of July, 
Sumter returned from North Carolina and established a camp on 
Clem's Creek, in the present Lancaster County. This camp repre- 
sented the first organized force in the State formed after Buford's 
defeat. There had preceded it conflicts between Whigs and Tories, 
but these had been conflicts between parties gathered, so to say, for 
the occasion and which dispersed when the occasion was over. Sum- 
ter's camp represented an attempt to create a continuing body on 
the basis of a military organization. He held at this time, appar- 
ently, no commission which gave him any legal right to control 
the organization so effected by him. Their organization was purely 
voluntary and equally so was their selection of Sumter as a leader. 
It was the recognition of his capability and not of any legal right. f 
After the formation of this camp it was not long before the number 
of Sumter's command was swelled by the accession of Whigs from all 
parts, so that he soon had near 500 men under his command. Of 
stores, supplies, arms and ammunition they were at flrst nearly 
destitute. 

*McCrady, Vol. 3. p. 365. Ramsay says: "In a little time after he had for- 
saken his house a detachment of the British turned his family out of doors, 
burned the house and everything that was in it." Ramsay Rev., Vol. 2. p. 130. 

tMoultrie, Vol. 2, p. 21-1; Ramsay's Rev., Vol. 2, p. 130. 



47 

/ 

Says Moultrie, in his Memoirs: 

They sometimes began an action with not more than three rounds per man, 
and were obliged to wait to be supplied with more by the fall of their friends 
or enemies in battle. When they proved victorious they supplied themselves 
with arms and ammunition from the killed and wounded.f 

And Ramsay states, with more particularity: 

His followers were in a great measure unfurnished with arms and ammuni- 
tion, and they had no magazines from which they might draw a supply. The 
iron tools on the neighboring farms were worked up for their use by common 
blacksmiths into rude weapons of war. They supplied themselves in jjart with 
bullets by melting the pewter with which they were furnished by private 
housekeepers. They sometimes came to battle when they had not three rounds 
a man, and some were obliged to keep at a distance till by the fall of others 
the_v were supplied with arms. When they proved victorious they were obliged 
to rifle the dead and wounded of their arms and ammunition to equip them 
for their next engagement. At the head of these volunteers Col. Sumjiter 
penetrated into South Carolina and recommenced a military opposition to the 
British, after it had been suspended for about six weeks.* 

This initiation of organized resistance was made at a time when 
the inhabitants of the State had generally abandoned all idea and 
effort to further armed opposition, and to Sumter is due the credit. 
Action soon followed organization. 

The British had established a military station at Rocky Mount, 
what is now Lancaster County. The commandant at this post sent 
Capt Christian Huck — the notorious Captain Huck — to repair 
among the Tories the consequences of the dispersal of a party of 
them shortly before at Fishing Creek. Huck commanded thirty- 
five dragoons of Tarleton's legion, twenty mounted infantry of the 
New York Volunteers and about sixty Tory native militia. He was, 
therefore, in command of a force of regular British soldiers in 
addition to militia. Huck in his progress destroyed the forge, 
furnace and mills at Hill's Iron Works, and advanced, destroying 
the country and committing offensive outrages on inoft'ensive inhab- 
itants until, on the 12th July, he had taken post on Williamson's plan- 
tation, in the present York County. Here in the early morning Huck 
was attacked by a detachment of volunteers from Sumter's camp and, 
after a short engagement, Huck was killed and his command 
entirely dispersed. $ The British lost between thirty and forty 
killed and wounded. The Americans lost one man killed. 

tMoultrie, Vol. 3, p. 214. 
*Ramsay's Rev., Vol. 2, p. 130. 

tMoultrie, Vol. 2, p. 217 ; Ramsay's Rev., Vol. 2, p. 135 ; McCrady, Vol. 3, 
p. 597. 



48 

The effect of this success was great. It has been well character- 
ized as one of the turning-points in the Revolution. f It was the 
first success gained over the royal forces since their landing for the 
investment of Charles Town. It was a success won by an organized 
force of Americans over an enemy composed, in part, at least, of 
regular British troops. Its result was to reinforce Sumter's force 
by 600 additional men.t 

The effect upon the representatives of the royal cause was equally 
great. They had considered the State practically conquered and 
armed resistance at an end. From this pleasant dream the fight at 
Williamson's and the death of Captain Huck awakened them. 

They found themselves faced by an army, although small, in 
organized shape and led the commanders who were evidently in 
earnest and knew their business. 

Among the British commanders who had asserted in their official 
dispatches that the inhabitants from every quarter had declared their 
allegiance to the King, and that there were few men in South 
Carolina that w-ere not either prisoners or in arms for the King, 
this unlooked-for impediment of a military force in arms against 
the King, which had actually defeated and dispersed a force com- 
posed in part of regular British troops, flushed with continuous 
success — in short, this impediment, named Thomas Sumter, "roused 
all the passions which disappointed ambition can inspire." They 
were "overwhelmed with astonishment and filled with indignation."* 

Sumter — essentially a leader of action — did not long remain 
quiescent. On the 1st August, 1780, he made a spirited attack 
upon the British entrenched post at Rocky JNIount. The post was 
too strong to be carried without artillery and Sumter's assault was 
repulsed.** 

A few days later, on the Gth August. 1180. he attacked the garri- 
son at Hanging Rock. That garrison consisted of 500 men, con- 
sisting of 160 of the infantry of Tarleton's Legion, the Prince of 
Wales' American Regiment, part of Colonel Browne's corps of 
provincials and Colonel Bryan's North Carolina Loyalists. The 
whole was under the command of Major Carden, of the Prince of 
Wales' Regiment. The attacking force numbered about 800. The 
result of the action was not conclusive. The British camp was 
taken and plundered, but the American force finally withdrew, 

tMcCrady. Vol. 3. p. 599. 

tRamsay's Rev., Vol. 2, pp. 135, 137 ; McCrady, Vol. 3, p. 600. 

♦Ramsay Rev., Vol. 2, p. 131. 

**Moultrie, Vol. 2, p. 219; Ramsay Rev., Vol. 2, p. 136. 



49 

leaving the field in possession of the British, whose loss exceeded 
that of the attacking forces. 

Within the space of a month the commanfl under Sumter had had 
three engagements with British regular troops, and in each case 
the Americans had been the attacking party. 

While these operations of Sumter — contemporaneously with sim- 
ilar operations, but on a smaller scale, by other partisan leaders — 
were in progress, an army was on its way from the northward to 
assist the hard-pressed American forces in the South. This army 
consisted of about 1,200 Continental soldiers, composed of regiments 
from the Maryland and Delaware lines, and was under the com- 
mand of Baron De Kalb, but on the 25th July De Kalb was super- 
seded in his command by Gen. Horatio Gates, the so-called hero of 
Saratoga. General Gates, with additional reinforcements, crossed 
the South Carolina line on the 4th August, and, having formed a 
junction with the North Carolina militia under Governor Caswell, 
pressed down towards Camden, where the British army lay. There 
Lord Cornwallis had himself taken command and was present in 
person. Sumter, who, with the force under him, had reached 
Gates, heard that a large convoy, with clothing and stores for the 
British army at Camden, was on its way to that point by the road 
between McCord's Ferry, on the Congaree, and the ferry over the 
Wateree, about a mile from Camden. He proposed to Gates that 
he should intercept this convoy. Gates assented and sent to join 
him in his attack on the convoy a detachment of 400 Continental 
regulars, with two brass field pieces. 

Sumter's attack was made on the loth August and was wholly 
successful. The entire convoy and its guard were captured, and 
Sumter, with his prizes and prisoners in his possession, commenced 
his retreat up the western side of the Wateree River. 

Gates, without waiting for Sumter's return, had advanced towards 
Cornwallis. who, in like manner, was advancing himself. The two 
armies joined battle near Camden on the IGth August, and the 
result was one of the most complete defeats ever inflicted upon an 
American army. 

Immediately after the battle and when Gates was in full flight, 
outstripping all his followers in the race, Cornwallis turned his 
attention to Sumter. On the morning of the 17th August he dis- 
r.^tched Tarleton in pursuit of Sumter. Tarleton, pressing with 
his accustomed celerity and vigor, came up with Sumter about 
m'Jday on the 18th, and, finding Sumter's men in camp entirely 



50 

off their guard and expecting the approach of no enemy, Tarleton 
at once formed his line and charged the camp. The surprise was 
complete. Little or no resistance was made and the whole camp 
was reduced to a precipitate flight. All the 'stores captured from 
the British were recaptured, all the British prisoners taken by Sum- 
ter were released, and Sumter's entire command was killed, taken 
or dispersed. He himself barely escaped with his life, rode off 
without saddle, hat or coat, and reached Charlotte two days late;' 
com])'iete]y unattended. 

This surprise is the one great blot on . Sumter's career as a 
military commander. It seems to have been due to carelessness of 
the grossest military kind in neglecting the proper precautions to 
guard against surprise and to protect his force if attacked. At 
the same time it must be remembered that Sumter commanded a 
force of both officers and men who had little experience of regular 
warfare, and had not Ijeen tauglit that the neglect in war of what 
may appear to be small precautions may entail destruction. It was 
impossible for Sumter in command' to attend to all the details of 
guard mount. He could give orders, and it is probable that so far 
as the surprise was concerned that was due to disobedience of ordeis 
and neglect on the part of his subordinate officers. Tarleton says: 
"Some explanation received after the action greatly diminished the 
mistake which Colbnel Sumter seemed to have committed.'' He bad 
sent out patrols, but they had not gone far enough to discover the 
British approach, and on demanding the cause of two shots fired 
by his videt^^es, who were killed by the British, was told by the officer 
in charge of the advanced sentries that it was the militia firing at 
cattle. 

As a commander, however, Sumter can not be acquitted of blame 
in his halting where he did. He had been warned of Gates' co'""- 
plete defeat. He knew of Tarleton and his restless energy, and he 
should have done as Morgan did later, after the battle of Cowpen-^, 
and never have halted or stayed until he had reached a point of 
absolute safety. 

Ramsay, in his Revolution in South Carolina, attributes the defeat 
to the fatigue of the Americans. He says : 

The Americans, having been for four days without sleep or provisions, were 
more inclined to the calls of nature than attentive to her first law — self- 
preservation. Col. Sumpter had taken every prudent precaution to prevent a 
surprise, but his videttes were so fatigued they neglected their duty.* 

*Ramsay Rev., Vol. 2, p. 153. 



51 

Crushing flefe?ts hadjthus, in quick succession, been inflicted 
upon both Gates and Sumter. While Gates, however, seems to 
have been completely overcome and incapable of rallying to meet 
his emergency, the effect on Sumter was to stimulate his energies. 

A-.mcst immediately he gathered together such of his troops a: 
had escaped, and within a very brief space of time had established 
his camp again at Clem's Creek. 

Whilst there engaged in reorganizing his command. Col. James 
Williams, who had been appointed a brigadier-general of militia 
by Governor Rutledge, appeared at Sumter's camp and claimed by 
virtue of his rank to take command. 

Mis light to do so Sumter's men flatly refused to admit. They 
were volunteers and Sumter had been by them selected as their 
commander. In addition to this, the men and officers under Sumter 
had strong personal grounds of objection to Williams, whom th.ey 
neither liked nor respected. 

Williams still insisting upon the effect of his commission, a council 
of the officers servmg under Sumter was called to consider the effect 
of Williams's commission on Sumter's command. 

At this point it was learned that Tarleton and Rawdon were on 
the march against Sumter's camp. Sumter crossed the Catawba and 
after a slight ski.-mish with Rawdon's advance, retreated to a point 
of greater safety-— higher up the river. 

It was there determined by the officers and men of Sumter's com- 
mand to send a delegation to Governor Rutledge remonstrating 
against Williams's commission as superseding Sumter. The dele- 
gates were officers acting as colonels under Sumter. In the mean- 
while it was agreed that Sumter should retire during the absence of 
the delegation and that Colonel Lacey should take his place in com- 
mand. 

To this agreement Sumter, with true devotion to public interests 
and lack of selfish personal assertion, assented. 

Whilst Sumter was in this retirement Colonel Lacey was informed 
of the movement against Maj. Patrick Ferguson, of the British 
army, and requested to join and co-operate. He marched at once 
with Sumter's command, and on the 6th October, 1780, joined the 
forces under Cam'pbcll, Shelby, Cleveland and Sevier, near King's 
Mountain. 

The next day, the 7th October, took place the battle of King's 
Mountain and the death of Major Ferguson, with the entire 
defeat and capture of his force. The South Carolina force -from 



52 

Sumter's camp was commanded by Colonel Lacey. Colonel Williams 
was present and took part also in the battle in command of a small 
force of his own and was killed, and any further contest on his part 
as to Sumter's rig-ht to command ended. 

The delegation of officers had in the meantime met Governor 
Rutledge at Hillsboroug-h, and the efifect of their representations 
was such that on the (ith October, 1780, Governor Rutledge issued 
a commission to Sumter as brigadier-general, and placed him in 
command of all the militia of this State.* 

Soon after Sumter's apointment to the rank of brigadier-general. 
Gen. Francis Alarion also received an appointment to the same 
rank.y 

Sumter returned to his command about the 1st November, ITSO, 
and about the 7th crossed the Broad River and pitched his camp 
near Fishdam Ford. There he had under his command between 
500 and 600 men. Lord Cornwallis detached Major Wemyss with 
his regiment of mounted infantry and some of Tarleton's Legion 
to attack and defeat Sumter at his camp. An officer w^ith five men 
were especially detached to penetrate this camp and attack Sumter 
himself in his tent. Wemyss moved towards his camp and arrived 
at it at a little after midnight and immediately attacked, but was 
met by the Americans, who were prepared, and after a short and 
bloody conflict the British Avere repulsed with great loss, and 
retreated, leaving their wounded. Among these was Major 
Wemyss himself, who was badly wounded and captured. Sumter 
himself, it is said, was asleep in his tent at the time and his orderly 
neglecting to arouse him at the first alarm, the British detail assigned 
to seek him were at his tent before he put on his coat. He ran out, 
crossed the fence and escaped to the river bank. 

As soon as Cornwallis learned of this reverse he sent an express 
for Tarleton, who was then in pursuit of Marion and attempting 
to force him to battle. Fatigued and discomfited at his failure to 
make any contact with that elusive commander when he received 
the express summoning him back to follow up Sumter, he is said 
to have made use of the exclamation which gave to both Sumter 
and Marion the designations, or nicknames, which immediately and 
ever since have attached to them. 

"Come on, my boys! Let us go back and we will soon find the 
gamecock ; but as for this d — d old fox, the devil himself could not 
catch him." 

♦MgCrady, Vol. 3, p. 813. 
tlbid., p. 815. 



53 

The designation of Sumter was certainly most appropriate. If, 
in the language of the pit, he had received the gaff severely at 
Fishing Creek he was immediately back in the pit as "game" and 
ready for fight as when he began. 

Sumter, after the repulse of Wemyss's command, moved down the 
Enoree, and on the* 18th November was at Williams's plantation, on 
Little River. There he received information of Tarleton's approach. 
Tarleton, moving with his accustomed energy and celerity, under 
Cornwallis's instructions to crush Sumter, advanced with his own 
legion, the light infantry and Sixty-third British Regiment under 
his command. On the information of his approach Sumter moved 
up and stationed himself at Blackstock's, on the south side of Tyger 
River, in the present Union County. There he made his arrange- 
ments to meet Tarleton's attack. His force consisted of 420 men. 

Tarleton, leaving his light infantry to march, pushed on with his 
mounted men and reached Sumter about 4 o'clock in the afternoon 
with about 250 men. His force was thus much inferior to his 
adversary's, but that did not daunt Tarleton, whose continuous 
course of success seemed to have made him think that numbers did 
not count against him. He had defeated Sumter at Fishing Creek 
three months before, with inferior numbers, and he did not hesitate 
to try it again. He immediately attacked, but met with as imme- 
diate and bloody repulse. The British loss in killed and wounded 
was near 200. The American loss was one killed and three 
wounded. Unfortunately for the American cause, one of these 
three was Sumter himself. While superintending the battle and 
leading the counter-attack he was badly wounded in the right 
shoulder. To his aide-de-camp he requested that his sword be 
put in the scabbard and that a man be directed to lead his horse 
off the field, telling him to say nothing about ihis wound, but to 
request Colo'uel Twiggs to take command. The Americans remained 
in possession of the field. As Tarleton did not retreat far, how- 
ever, and the information was received that he would be imme- 
diately reinforced by the Seventy-first British Regiment and the 
legion and light infantry. Colonel Twiggs crossed the Tyger River 
that night to a position where he would be unassailable. Tarleton 
next morning could take the empty field, but nothing more, and he 
he did not attempt to follow up his enemy, but retired to Winns- 
boro. He claimed the result as a victory, but no succeeding 
British historian has done so.* The most gratifying result to the 

*The British historian, Stedman, following the account of this battle given 
by Col. Roderick Mackenzie in his strictures on Tarleton's published history of 



54 

British commander was the wound of Sumter, which incapacitated 
him for any further immediate action. Cornwallis testifies to this 
when 'he writes Tarleton : 

I shall be very glad to hear that Sumter is in a condition to give us no 
further trouble; he certainly has been our greatest plague in this country. 

This occasion was the last time that the two antagonists — Sumter 
and Tarleton — faced each other in conflict. 

When Sumter had sufficiently recovered from his wound to take 
the field again Tarleton had left South Carolina, accompanying 
Cornwallis northward on that march which terminated at Yorktown. 

Sumter was the first military commander in South Carolina since 
Huger's defeat who showed his willingness to meet Tarleton and 
fight him, and was also the first co^imander in South Carolina at 
whose hands Tarleton sufifered an unquestioned reverse. The two 
were alike in many of their characteristics — their energy, decision, 
quickness of movement and readiness to fight. If Sumter had 
sufifered the worst defeat of the two in the afifair at Fishing Creek, 
yet he could feel he had recovered from it and had met and in his 
turn defeated Tarleton, who has been pronounced a born cavalry 
leader and the best commander of his time in the British army. 
Fishing Creek was paid for later when, on the 17th January, 1781, 
Tarleton left the field of battle at Cowpens in as full flight as Gates 
left the field at Camden. 

The wound received by Sumter was so severe as to practically 
debar him from active service in the field for near five months. He 
still retained his command and lent his aid and advice in consluta- 
tirn to General Gates in the command of the Southern army. On 
the 3d November, 1780, Greene writes him that: "I am impatient 
to hear of your recovery and of seeing you at the head of the 
n ilitia."'^' But as late as 9th March, 1781, Sumter writes that he 
has but little use of his right hand, and writing was very painful 
to him. Whilst in this enforced retirement, but still retaining his 
command, a difference arose between Sumter and Gen. Daniel 
Morgan, then in command of a detachment of the Southern army. 
Into the merits of this controversy it is impossible in this sketch to 

the campaign, gives the victory to the Americans, who held the field and all the 
British wounded, viz. : "The wounded of the British detachment were left to the 
mercy of the enemy, and it is but doing bare justice to General Sumter to 
declare that the strictest humanity took place upon the present occasion ; they 
were supplied with every comfort in his power." 

*General Washington, in writing to General Greene, remarks that General Sum- 
ter's brilliant action deserved great commendation. (Writings of George IVash- 
ingtou. Vol. 7, p. 360.) 



55 

go. The point of controversy was Sumter's refusal to allow officers 
under his immediate command to receive orders from Morgan 
direct, instead of being transmitted through himself. They both held 
the rank of brigadier-general, — Morgan in the Continental service 
and Sumter in the State service, — and Sumter's commission appears 
to have antedated Morgan's. Both were men of impervious nature, 
and both seem, in this matter, to have displayed temper, but fortu- 
nately the occurrence did not take place in a time or manner to affect 
injuriously the public service. 

On the 17th January, 1781, Morgan defeated Tarleton in the 
decisive battle of the Cowpens, and, following that event, Greene 
retreated before Lord Cornwallis to T-Iillsborough, in North Caro- 
lina, being joined by Morgan's command on the way, and South 
Carolina was again left without any Continetal force within her 
borders. 

On 30th January, Greene wrote to Sumter : 

I have the pleasure to hear by Gen. Morgan that you are almost well enough 
to take the field. Nothing wiU afford me greater satisfaction than to see you 
at the head of the militia again; and I can assure you I shall take a pleasure 
in giving you every opportunity to exercise that talent of enterprise which has 
already rendered you the terror of your enemies and the idol of your friends. 

Notwithstanding the continuing effect of his wound Sumter took 
the field again early in February. Greene had written him on the 
3d February, telling him of his anxiety .to have him back as soon as 
his (health would permt, and informing him that when the militia 
could be embodied, whether employed in South Carolina or with the 
Continental army, he was to have the command of the whole. 

Cornwallis having advanced into North Carolina, Greene retreat- 
ing before him, Sumter cut in behind the British general, striking 
direct at his posts and communications with Charles Town. Having 
collected his force, about 280 men, he marched on the 16th February, 
1781, against one of the main posts of the enemy at Granby, 
on the Congaree River, about three miles below the junction of the 
Broad and Saluda. He immediately attacked the post on the 19th 
February, but Tord Rawdon, having advanced from Camden with 
his full force for its relief, Sumter was unable to capture it, although 
he succeeded in destroying its stores. Compelled by Lord Rawdon's 
approach to raise the siege of Granby, Sumter marched imme- 
diately against the next British post at Thomson's, near the site of 
Fort Motte, in Orangeburg County. Finding the post too strong for 
assault, he invested it, and on the 33d February, whilst continuing the 
investment, he attacked a British detachment escorting a convoy of 



56 

army supplies and clothing intended for Lord Rawdon's army. 
This detachment was completely .defeated and the entire convoy 
taken. The stores were placed upon boats and sent down the river 
to a lower point, where Sumter was to meet the boats with his 
troops. Lord Rawdon, hearing of the attack on the post at Thom- 
son's, had marched to its relief, and, on the 24th, his approach 
compelled Sumter to retire. Through the treachery of the pilot 
the boats with the captured stores had been carried within the range 
of the guns of the British in Fort Watson, at Wright's Blufif, 
on the Santee River, and were recaptured. Informed of this, Sumter 
crossed the Santee and, on the 27th February, assaulted the fort, 
which had just been reinforced by the arrival of Colonel Watson 
and 400 provincial light infantry. The fort was too strong to be 
taken and his attack was repulsed. Sumter then moved to the High 
Hills of Santee. Within less than ten days he had attacked three 
strong posts, had captured and dispersed a strong detachment in 
charge of a convoy, and had compelled Lord Rawdon twice to 
move with his whole force to protect his posts. 

After remaining a few days in the High Hills, Sumter retired to 
the W^axhaws, by way of Black River. On this march he was, on 
the 6th March, attacked by Major Fraser, with a considerable body 
of British regulars and Tory militia, but the attack was repulsed, 
the British compelled to retreat, and Sumter was not further molested. 

From there he retired to -the "New Accjuisition,"* still suffering 
from his old wound, for he writes to General Marlon on the 28th : 

I write in so much pain as hardly to ivnow my own meaning or read what 
I write. 

There he occupied himself in efforts to embody troops upon the 
State establishment, so as to give some assurance of a definite force 
to be relied upon, and seems to have succeeded in raising three small 
ff^giments of regular State troops to be employed in constant service 
for ten months. 

The battle of Guilford Court House, between the opposing armies 
commanded by General Greene and Lord Cornwall is, was fought 
on loth March, 17S1. The result was the retreat of Lord Corn- 
wallis to Wilmington, leaving the upper part of North Carolina 
wholly unoccupied and the way open for Greene to march to South 
Carolina if he saw fit. The question then for Greene was whether 

*That portion of the State lying outside of the Catawba Reservation north of 
the 3.5 degree of latitude and east of the present line between Spartanburg and 
Greenville counties. 



57 

he should follow Cornwallis and oppose his advance into Virginia 
or, leaving that advance to be met by the State forces of "Virginia 
and such reinforcements as might be sent from the northward, 
march into South Carolina and destroy the British occupation there. 
To whom the credit is due of his final determination to adopt the 
latter course does not now matter. It is history that he did adopt 
k and the result justified the wisdom of his decision. 

Sumter had been placed by Governor Rutledge in command of all 
ihe militia of the .State,* and on General Greene's determination to 
return to vSouth Carolina he wrote to Sumter, asking him to give 
orders to the other militia commanders — Pickens and ^Marion — to 
collect all the militia they could to co-operate. 

Greene moved on Camden and Sumter took post between Camden 
and Ninety Six, so as to clear that country from all interferences 
with Greene's advance. 

On the 2oth of April the battle of Hobkirk's Hill, between General 
Greene and Lord Rawdon. was fought, resulting in a repulse of the 
Americans. 

Sumter continued in the efl"'ort to collect men and provisions under 
Greene's instructions, still suffering from his old wound, for he 
writes to Greene on the Gth May : 

My hand is still very stiff; my shouklei* very iineasie, & I fear as the weather 
grows warmer shall be obliged to retire. 

Notwithstanding this, Sumter soon displayed his old activity. On 
10th May Lord Rawdon abandoned Camden and began his retreat to 
the Low Country. Before this, howover, Sumter had moved. He first 
repulsed a party of Tories on the Tyger River and then, dividing 
his forces into detachments, he swept through the disaffected settle- 
ments in the country. On the 2d May, 1781, he arrived before 
Granby, and leaving Col. Thomas Taylor with a party to invest 
that post, he rapidly advanced on Orangeburgh, which he captured 
on the 11th May, with supplies at the post. 

Lord Rawdon, having abandoned Camden on the 11th May, find- 
ing his posts taken and his communication destroyed, fell back, first to 
the Eutaws and then to Monck's Corner Sumter proposed to Greene 
that, uniting all his forces, including the commands of Sumter, Marion 
and Lee, they should boldly give battle to the British and seek to 
destroy Rawdon's army. Greene, however, thought the chances too 
hazardous to venture the conflict, and Lord Rawdon was allowed to 

*McCrady, Vol. 4, pp. 164, 165. 



•58 

jairsLie his retreat and Greene turned his attention to the investment 
of the British fort at Ninety Six, whilst Sumter scoured the country 
down to Dorchester, taking away horses and everything in the way 
ol transportation that could assist the British.* 

Lord Rawdon, having been heavily reinforced from Charles Town, 
now advanced to the relief of Ninety Six, and Sumter, then posted 
at Granby, moved slowly back before him and swung around General 
Greene above the Broad River, near Winnesboro, whither Greene 
retreated upon the approach of Lord Rawdon and after the defeat 
of his assault on Ninety Six, and crossed the country to the Wateree. 

Lord Rawdon, leaving a large portion of his force with Colonel 
Cruger at Ninety Six to bring off the Loyalists of that section, had 
marched first to Granby and then to Orangeburgh, where he had re- 
ceived reinforcements under Colonel Stuart Greene, having been 
joined by Sumter and his command, followed Rawdon to Orange- 
burgh and there remained in position and offered battle. This the 
British commander did not accept, being very strongly posted, and on 
the approach of Cruger, with his command from Ninety Six, Greene 
drew off to the High Hills of Santee. He turned over the command 
of all the mounted men in his command to Sumter, to whom he 
devolved the execution of an expedition that the latter had planned. 
This was the destruction of all the British posts and lines of com- 
munication between Orangeburgh and Charles Town. 

Sumter proceeded to carry out the agreed plan with his accustomed 
celerity. Colonel Lee, with his legion, with the co-operation of 
Col. Wade Hampton and a detachment of Sumter's cavalry, swept 
down to Dorchester and through Goose Creek up to the very gates 
of Charles Town. Sumter, with his main body, took the road east 
of Cooper River to Monck's Corner. On his approach Colonel 
Coates, the British commander, abandoned Alonck's Corner and took 
post at P>iggin Church. This he again abandoned, and, setting fire 
to all his stores and the church, hastily retreated down the east side 
of Cooper River to Shubrick's. Here he took post. When Sumter 
arrived he immediately attacked, but Coates was too strongly posted, 
and after' a stout combat of some three hours the Americans with- 
drew, having exhausted every charge of ammunition. Relief from 
Charles Town being near at hand for the British and Lord Rawdon's 
forces reported moving down, Sumter retreated across the Santee 
and then took post near Friday's Ferry, on the Congaree, whilst 
Greene established his camp at the High Hills. 

*McCrady, Vol. 4, pp. 231, 253. 



59 

The result of this expedition under Sumter's command, in addi- 
tion of the destruction of the enemy's stores, was to demonstrate 
that the British retained possession of only so much of the country, 
even in the neighborhood of Charles Town, as their armies actually 
occupied, and this within a little more than a year since Sumter, 
on the approach of Tarleton, had abandoned his home to the torch 
of the enemy. 

The old wound of Sumter broke out afresh and he was now com- 
pelled to rest for a space from the severe labors of active service. 
As late as 19th September he was still scarcely able to sign his name. 

During the period of this enforced inaction the command of his 
troops was devolved upon Col. William Henderson, who had been 
major under Sumter at the formation of the Sixth Regiment in 
• February, 1776, and had commanded that regiment later. Owing 
to the suffering entailed by his old wound and accompanying indis- 
position, Sumter was not able to resume his command in time to 
be present at the battle of Eutaw Springs on the 8th September, 
1781, where his troops were under the command of Colonel Hen- 
derson. 

Sumter was enabled to resume his command in November and 
co-operated in the general advance, which culminated by the 7th 
December in the entire British force being confined to Charles Town 
and the small neck or isthmus between the Cooper and Ashley 
rivers, Sumter being posted at Orangeburgh. 

With this practically terminated Sumter's military service. The 
State was now practically back in the hands of her citizens. Charles 
Town, alone remained in the hands of the British. 

An elction was ordered for a new General Assembly, to be held at 
Jacksonborough in January 1782. That Assembly met on the 18th 
January, 1782, and soon after it met General Sumter finally resigned 
his commission and Col. William Henderson was appointed briga- 
diet-general to succeed him.* 

General Greene had written him on the 12th December, 1781, to 
ask if he intended to get into the General Assembly "and have the 
approbation of the House upon the measures taken to raise State 
troops. Nothing like the time present, when gratitude is warm and 
danger not past, to get business of this sort approved." 

What Greene referred to was the measure adopted by Sumter 
to fill up the regiment of State troops he was directed to organize 
in Alarch, 1781. 

*McCrady, Vol. 4, p. 534. 



60 

He had then offered certain terms of payment, inchiding a portion 
of all captured property. These terms were based upon no existing 
law and their confirmation and the validity of the title of the holders 
to the captured property depended upon the approval to be given by 
the General Assembly to the measures taken by Sumter, by the 
enactment of some law. 

To this Sumter answered in a letter full of dignity, under date of 
22d December, 1781 : 

You asked if I did not intend to get into the General Assembly. It is 
probable I may serve if elected, but as I never have solicited any public 
aj>i5ointment I can't thinii of doing it now. 

Notwithstanding I have the matter you have mentioned very much at heart, 
l)ut if men are lost or callous to every sentiment of gratitude and justice, my 
weak reasonings, although founded on the strictest equity will not prevail. 
However, I shall be prepared to make a true and fair representation of matters 
to the House perhaps the result may prove favorable. I have nothing to urge 
upon my own account more than to enable me to comply witli the promises 
made to the troops — if they are jDaid and I am censured my expectations will 
not be disappointed.* 

With this resignation of Sumter terminated ihis military career. 
Active hostilities were practically over and the country could then 
dispense with his services. He, first of all others, had formed a 
collected body of troops to meet the British invasion when all other 
organized commands had been captured or dispersed, and this at 
a time when, apparently, the State had abandoned hope of any suc- 
cessful resistance. From that period in July, 1780, until November, 
1781, he had been continuously in active command on field service, 
save for the enforced retirement due to his wound, and for a great 
portion of that time, from February, 1781, to November. 1781, he 
had continued in that active service, although nearly all the time 
suffering more or less acutely from the severe wound received by 
him at Blackstock's. 

In closing this account of his military career, it is well to give the 
opinion entertained by those who could judge of his merit and his 
exploits. 

First can be placed the testimony of his superior officer. Gen. 
Nathanael Greene, as contained in his letters : 

January 30, 1781. 
Nothing will afford me greater satisfaction than to sec you at tiie head of 
the militia again, and I can assure you I siiall take a pleasure in giving you 

♦Charleston Year Book for 1899, p. 66. 



61 

every opportunity to exercise that talent of enterprise which has already ren- 
dered you the terror of your enemies and the idol of j'our friends.* 

February 3, 1781. 
I have ever considered it a great misfortune that you was wounded on my 
first coming to the command.f 

May 17, 1781. 
It is unnecessary for me to tell you how important your services are to the 
interest and happiness of this country, and the confidence I have in your 
abilities and zeal for the good of the service. Your continuing in command 
will lay the public in general and me in particular under a very great 
obligation. + 

June 23, 1781. 
Col. Polk informs me your health is getting worse and your wound more 
troublesome. I am sorry on yours, my own and the public's account. It will 
be a great misfortune.** 

December 15, 1781. 
Your country, if they have any justice and gratitude, will not fail to bless 
and reward you for your exertions, made in the darkest hours they ever felt. I 
shall alwaj's bear testimonj' to your services and won't fail to tell the people 
how much you did when many others hid their heads. ff 

He is thus described by Lieut. -Col. Henry Lee, in his Memoirs: 

Sumter was younger than Marion, larger in frame, better fitted in strength 
of body to the toils of war, and, like his compeer, devoted to the freedom of his 
country. His aspect was manly and stern, denoting insuperable firmness and 
lofty courage. He was not over-scrupulous as a soldier in his use of means, 
and was apt to make considerable allowance for a state of war. Believing it 
warranted by the necessity of the case, he did not occupy his mind with critical 
examination of the equity of his measures or of their bearings upon indi- 
viduals, but indiscriminately pressed forward to his end — the destruction of 
his enemy and liberation of his country'. In his military character he resembled 
Ajax, relying more upon the fierceness of his courage than upon tht result of 
unrelaxing vigilance and nicely adjusted combination. Determined to deserve 
success, he risked his own life and the lives of his associates without reserve. 
Enchanted . with the splendor of victory he would wade through torrents of 
blood to attain it.JJ 

Major Garden, in his Anecdotes, says of him : 

In the school of adversity he learnt circumspection and was more than once 
compelled to fight imder the greatest disadvantages. He became ultimately 
so guarded in his attention to the security of his camp and so happy in the 
choice of his positions that every attempt to injure him on the part of the 

^Charleston Year Book for 1899, p. 79. 

tibid., p. 80. 

JIbid., p. 101. 

**Ibid., p. 116. 

ttlbid., p. 132. 

|$Lee's Memoirs, 3d ed, p. 32. 



62 

enemy proved abortive, whilst the enterprises which he conducted were for the 
most part productive of the most brilliant success. No man was more inde- 
fatigable in his efforts to obtain victory; none more ready by the generous 
exposure of his person and the animating example of intrepidity to 
deserve it.* 

Lord Cornwallis, as we have seen, denominated him "our greatest 
plague in this country."f 

His great adversary, Tarleton, mentions him with more commenda- 
tion than any of the American officers opposed to him. Referring 
to the fights at Rocky Mount and Hanging Rock, he says : 

The repulses he had sustained did not discourage him or injure his cause. 
The loss of men was easily supplied and his reputation for activity and 
courage was fully established by his late enterprising conduct.^ 

The Continental Congress of the United States, by a resolution 
adopted the 13th January, 1781, expressed their appreciation of 
Sumter's services as follows : 

Congress, taking into consideration the eminent services rendered to the 
United States by Brig.-Gen. Sumter, of South Carolina, at the head of a 
number of volunteer militia from that and the neighboring States, particularly 
in the victory obtained over the enemy at the Hanging Rock on the 6th day 
of August, in the defeat of Major Wemyss and the corps of British infantry 
and dragoons under his command at Broad River on the 9th day of November, 
in which the said Major Wemyss was made prisoner, and in the repulse of 
Lieut.-Col. Tarleton and the British cavalry and infantry under his command 
at Blackstocks, on Tyger River, on the 20th November last, in each of which 
actions the gallantry and military conduct of Gen. Sumter and the courage 
ajid perseverance of his troops were highly conspicuous, resolved, therefore, 
that the thanks of Congress be presented to Brig.-Gen. Sumter and the militia 
aforesaid for such reiterated proofs of their patriotism, bravery and conduct, 
which entitle them to the highest esteem and confidence of their country, and 
that the commanding officer of the Southern department do forthwith cause 
the same to be issued in General Orders and transmitted to Gen. Sumter. 

On 27th February, 1783, the express thanks of the Senate of his 
native State were, by resokition, extended to him for "his eminent 
and conspicuous service to this country." 

Although he had resigned from military service, Sumter still con- 
tinued to serve his country in a civil capacity. 

He was elected in December, 1781, as Senator from the district 
lying eastward of the Wateree River, and sat as a member of the 
General Assembly, which held its first session at Jacksonborough. 
By that Assembly he was, on the 3d January, 1783, elected a member 

♦Garden's Anecdotes, first series, p. 32. 
tTarleton's Campaigns, p. 96. 
tTarleton's Campaigns, p. 203. 



63 

of the Privy Council, but declined serving. He was re-elected Sen- 
ator from the same district in the fall of 1782 and sat as a member 
of the General Assembly that met in 1783, and by which he was 
elected a delegate to represent the State in the Continental Congress. 

He was again a member of the General Assembly in 1784, 1785 
and 1786. It was in the latter year that the statute for removing 
the seat of government from Charleston to Columbia was passed. 
General Sumter advocated the claim of the High Hills of Santee 
as having the best claim, from health and otherwise, to the location 
of the future capital of the State, but the Legislature determined 
upon the present site. 

It is stated by Johnson, in his Traditions of the Revolution, that 
"in the discussion a personal dispute arose between General Sumter 
and Commodore Gillon. Without a message or preconcert, each 
came the next morning into the House armed with small swords, 
the weapon usually worn at that time by gentlemen for their defense," 
but that, after an address from the Speaker, first to the parties and 
then to the House, the dispute was settled.''' 

The Constitution of the United States, framed by the General 
Convention which sat in 1787, was presented to the several States 
for ratification. General Sumter was a member of the General 
Assembly of South Carolina in 1788, when the question came before 
that body in the shape of a resolution calling for the election of a con- 
vention to which should be submitted the question of ratification. 
General Sumter, with Rawlins Lowndes, opposed the call, as he op- 
posed the proposed Constitution ,and after a protracted debate the 
resolution for calling the convention was adopted by a majority of 
only one. General Sumter and the entire delegation from his district, 
i. e., the district lying east of the Wateree River, voted against the 
resolution. 

Notwithstanding this oppostion ihe was elected a member of the 
Convention, in which he continued his opposition. He first moved 
that the consideration of the question be postponed from May, 1788, 
when the Convention was sitting, until a later date, and this having 
been voted down, he then, with all the delegation from his district, 
voted with the minority against ratification. f 

With Lowndes and others of the minority he based his opposition 
upon the ground that the power lodged in the general government 
by the new Constitution contained the fatal germs of a growth that 
would overthrow the liberties of the several States. 

*Johnson's Traditions, p. 77. 

tElliott's Debates, Vol. 4, pp. 304, 324, 332. 



64 

So great was the admiration of his countrymen for, and their 
confidence in, General Sumter that, although he had been the con- 
sistent opponent of the adoption of the new Constitution, he was 
immediately elected a member of the House of Representatives of 
the first Congress held under that instrument, and took his seat in 
May, 1789. He was re-elected in 1790 to the second Congress and 
sat until Alarch, 1793. He was elected also to the fifth, sixth and 
seventh Congresses, from 1797 to ISOl, when he was elected to the 
United States Senate and resigned his seat in the House of Repre- 
sentatives. He was elected Senator in 1801, and sat out his term 
until 1805, when he was re-elected to succeed himself, and sat in 
the United States Senate until 1810, when he resigned. f 

He was an ardent follower and supporter of ]\Ir. Jefl:'erson and 
an unswerving opponent of the Federalists and all the measures 
which culminated in the alien and sedition laws of 1798. In the life 
of General Sumter, in Appleton's Encyclopedia of American Biog- 
raphy, it is stated that General Sumter was "a zealous Federalist." 
No authority is given for this statement, and if we are to be guided 
by Sumter's action in opposing all Federalist measures and his own 
declaration he was exactly the opposite. He was an admirer, as 
well as a supporter, of Air. Jefiferson, and declared the Virginia and 
Kentucky resolutions of 1798 to embody the true construction of the 
Constitution. 

So close were the relations between Jefferson and himself that on 
24th Alarch, 1801, Mr. Jefferson writes him a personal letter, 
addressing him as "My Dear General," and telling him that he had 
determined in future to name the secretaries of legation in place 
of allowing ministers to take a private secretary of their own : that 
Chancellor Livingston had accepted the mission to France and that 
he had selected General Sumter's son as the secretary of legation 
to France, if the appointment would be acceptable to him, and 
requesting the General to make the proposition to his son.:}: 

After his resignation General Sumter retired to his private estate. 
South Mount, near Statcburg, in Sumter District (now County), in 
the district he had so long and faithfully represented. He was, at the 
time of his retirement, 7G years old. Although he retired from active 
public life to the quiet and unostentatious life of a South Carolina 
planter and country gentleman, he nevertheless continued to take an 
active interest in all affairs aft'ecting his country. 

tCharleston Year Book for 1884, pp. 338. 342. 

{Original MS. letter in possession of Miss M. H. Brownfield. 



65 

Before his death the contest between the Federal and State gov- 
ernments, which he presaged in 1788, had become intense. The 
system of protective tariff inaugurated in 1816, intensified in 1819, 
carried to greater length in 1824, had culminated in 1828 in a series 
of statutes which resulted in laying a most burdensome and oppres- 
sive taxation upon the Southern portion of the United States. This 
led to great. discontent throughout the South and, in South Carolina 
especially, to the formation of a party which advocated active meas- 
ures to nullify statutes they declared to be unjust and unconstitu- 
tional invasions of the liberties of the State. ]\Ir. Calhoun was the 
exponent and leader in the South of this party, which numbered 
among its warmest supporters General Sumter. He was still in the 
active possession of his faculties, both physical and mental. His 
son, Thomas Sumter, Jr., in a letter to his daughter, dated 26th 
December, 1825, says : 

As to the health of your grandfathei I saw him yesterday and, in his 88th 
year, he mounts and rides his horse ahiiost like a young man. 

The State's Rights party claimed him as a member, as indeed he 
himself declared. In 1830 he had written a letter unequivocally 
denouncing as unconstitutional the Tariff" Acts passed by Congress 
and supporting the construction of the Constitution which reserved 
to the States, if these rights were invaded by unconstitutional legis- 
lation, the power to resist their enforcement or withdraw from the 
Union. Some contention arose in 1831 as to his position. A news- 
paper in the State, the Camden Journal, published an item stating 
that he had changed his views. This misstatement w-as quickly cor- 
rected. General Sumter wrote a letter to his grandson, which was 
publis'hed in The Charleston Mercury for 2d September, 1831. This 
letter is written with all the clearness and vigor of his early days. 
In this letter he ridicules the statement in the Camden Journal, 
declares his views not only unchanged, but to be what they had 
always been, and calls attention to a letter of his dated 29th October, 
1830, which had previously been published and in which he had set 
out his opinion and convictions. 

In this last mentioned letter he had referred to as expressing the 
true construction of the Constitution, the Virginia and Kentucky 
resolutions of 1798. and the letter of Mr. Calhoun (the then Vice- 
President of the United States) maintaining and defending the prin- 
ciple and enforcement of nullification. General Sumter declares in his 
letter that the principle "that the Legislature, as a sovereign power, 

*MS. letter in possession of R. J. Brownfield, Esq. 



66 

can nullify the unconstitutional acts of the general government is 
the primary and principle doctrine of the State's Rights party." 

At a meeting of the State's Rights party, held in Charleston in 
September, 1831, a series of resolutions was adopted thanking Gen- 
eral Sumter for his expressed support and declaring that he stood 
by State's rights tlhen as he did in the hot times of 1798. 

This is the last public utterance of the aged soldier and statesman 
that we find. He died the 1st June, 1833, at his home at South 
Mount, in Sumter County, the last surviving officer of his rank in 
the Continental army. Notwithstanding the embittered state of public 
feeling then, when the struggle between the State's Rights and the 
Union parties in the States was at its height, the mourning over the 
State was universal and deep. 

General Sumter left but one child, Thomas Sumter, Jr., who was 
born in 1768. He entered the diplomatic service first as Secretary 
of Legation to France, appointed by President Jefferson, and after- 
wards served as United States Minister to Portugal. He married 
Mdle. Natalie de Delage, and left several children at his death, in 
1840. 

I have now finished the task that I allotted to myself. I am con- 
scious, deeply conscious, that my performance has been totally inad- 
equate to the subject, but if I have been able to rescue from oblivion 
any thing or act that deserves to be remembered concerning one to 
whom justice has been so tardy in her memorials, or if I have been 
able to add one more laurel to the chaplet on the brow of one who 
so worthily won them, then I shall feel that my effort has not been 
in vain. 



67 



LETTER FROM CAPT. RICHMOND P. HOBSON. 

John J. Dargan, Esq., Statesburg, S. C. 

Dear Sir: I regret exceedingly that an imperative engagement in the West 
prevents my accepting your invitation. Allow me, however, to congratulate 
you upon the completion of the monument to the great patriot, and upon the 
splendid beginning that your school has made. 

It is to such education as your school provides that the South must look, 
in large measure, to her future prosperity and greatness. 

My hearty good wishes are with you, and may God speed you in the good 
work. Yours very truly, R. P. HOBSON. 



RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED AT THE SUMTER MEMORIAL 
EXERCISES AT STATEBURG. 

To complete the record of the recent patriotic event at Statesburg, 
Sumter County, the following resolutions and messages of sympathy 
and congratulations are printed in the News and Courier. 

These resolutions were offered by Richard D. Lee, Esq., president 
of the Bar Association of Sumter, and unanimously and enthusias- 
tically adopted : 

Resolved 1. That the grateful acknowledgments of this vast assemblage of 
South Carolinians are due and are hereby tendered to His Excellency, Theodore 
Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, for the patriotic and 
kindly interest, both personal and official, manifested by him in the memorial 
cermonies of this occasion. 

That in thus joining with us in commemorating the valor and services of 
that great Revolutionary hero. Gen. Thomas Sumter, which services in so large 
a measure rendered possible the achievement of American independence and 
the establishment of this grand Republic, the President has not only honored 
himself, but has likewise done infinite credit to the highest and most patriotic 
sentiments of the great American people over whom he rias been called to 
preside. 

That in the autograph letter written by the President and read before this 
assemblage of South Carolinians, breathing as it does the loftiest and purest 
spirit of patriotism and love of country, without regard to sections; in detailing 
a battalion of United States troops, the very flower of the army, accompanied 
by one of its most splendid military bands, to aid in the ceremonies, the whole 
commanded by officers whose soldierly and gentlemanly conduct, as well as that 
of the men themselves, has excited the admiration of us all; and in otherwise 
displaying his interest in an occasion appealing so peculiarly to the patriotic 
and personal pride and self-respect of the citizens of the Palmetto State, the 
President has manifested in a striking and signal manner that he is in fact, 
what he should be, the President of the whole American people. 

That this exhibition, through our Chief Magistrate, of the national interest 
entertained by the great body of the American peqijle in the local traditions. 



68 

patriotic pride and domestic concerns of the State of South Carolina, has gone 
far toward renewing and strengthening our love and allegiance to an indis- 
soluble Union of indestructible States. 

Resolved 3. That we desire to place upon record the evidence of our appre- 
ciation of the course of His Excellency, Martin F. Ansel, Governor of the State 
of South Carolina, who, laying aside for the moment the exacting duties of the 
office of Chief Magistrate of this State, has honored this occasion with his 
presence, and has delivered to his fellow citizens an address replete with 
sentiments of State pride and patriotic devotion to oui- proud old Com- 
monwealth. 

That in his recent election as Governor of the State the people had an 
abiding faith that he would always be ready to respond to every call to the 
performance of patriotic duty, and that his coming amongst us today to join 
in the ceremonies of this memorable occasion has justified in the highest 
degree the confidence thus reposed in him by- the citizens of Sumter County. 

Resolved 3. That the State of South Carolina is to be congratulated upon 
the happy fruition of the thought of the chairman of its General Sumter 
Monument Commission, in having with us today a distinguished citizen of the 
old Commonwealth of Virginia. 

This particular section of South Carolina, historically known as "The High 
Hills of Santee," having been first settled by the E^glish-^'irginians nearly 
two centuries ago, who gallantly aided here in battling to a successful con- 
clusion the War for American Independence, and whose sturdy descendants 
have contributed to make up in large measure a splendid and patriotic 
citizenship, it was particularly ajipropriate that this historic occasion should 
be graced by the presence of a representative Virginian. 

That we are most fortunate in having with us the Hon. A. J. Montague, 
lately Governor of the State of Virginia, whose able, eloquent and patriotic 
address has not onlj' largely contributed to the success of the occasion, but has 
gone far to revive and cement tiie strong ties of blood and of suffering which 
have united the inhaljitants of these two glorious Commonwealths, which ties, 
originally formed upon the field of battle in the Revolutionary War, were 
afterwards renewed and still further cemented upon the tragic fields of a 
later and more unhappy struggle. 

Resolved 4. That the thanks of this assemblage of South Carolinians are 
eminently due, and are hereby tendered, to the Hon. Henr\' A. Middleton 
Smith, of Charleston, himself a worthy and brilliant descendant of an illustrious 
family, vvho so largely contributed to the achievement of American indepen- 
dence, for his able, scholarly and invalual)le liistorical oration this day 
delivered. 

That the patriotic lessons taught by his address will serve to emulate 
succeeding generations to a love of country, a devotion to duty and a deter- 
mination at all times to be free, and will prove an inspiration to American 
youth everywhere to follow the lofty ideals of patriotic duty which character- 
ized the conduct of their illustrious ancestors in the War of the Revolution. 

Resolved 5. That the chairman of tlie General Siunter Monument Com- 
mission, Col. J. J. Dargan, to wliose j)atriotic conception, so brilliantly 
executed, the success of this memorable occasion is due, be requested to 
convey these resolutions to the above-named gentlemen ; that he also be requested 
to have the letter of Presictent Roosevelt, the letter of Capt. Richmond Pearson 



69 

Hobson, the telegram of Mr. George Foster Peabody (which came too late to 
be read, but was ordered published by the Committee on Publication), the 
address of Governor Ansel, the address of ex-Governor Montague, the oration 
of the Hon. H. A. M. Smith, and an official report of the exercises of this 
occasion, bound in permanent and enduring form, and that a copy thereof be 
deposited in the library of the General Sumter Memorial Academy, and that 
another copy thereof be deposited amongst the archives of the State of South 
Carolina, in the State Library at Columl)ia, S. C. 



FROM THE DAUGHTERS OF THE REVOLUTION. 

The Daughters of the American Revolution of South Carolina send greet- 
ings upon this auspicious occasion, and heartily congratulate the Commission 
upon the successful culmination of their duty in the unveiling today of the 
memorial to our great partisan leader. Gen. Thomas Sumter. 

VIRGIXA MASON BRATTON, 
State Regent Daughters of the American Revolution of South Carolina. 



FROM GEORGE FOSTER PEABODY. 

Fort William Henry Hotel, 
Lake George, N. Y., August 14, 1907. 
Hon. John J. Dargan, Sumter, S. C. 

Am most sorry not to be present on so notable an occasion. I send greetings 
to all, and especially to those so nobly adding to the fame of South Carolina 
by doing the best of service in moving forward the work of education, and 
particularly the rural school — the hope of the nation — should be taught there 
to think true, by the best of teachers in an eight-months school. God speed 
your efforts ! School taxes best investment, if ample for thorough work. 

GEORGE FOSTER PEABODY. 



THE MONUMENT TO SUMTER. 
(Editorial from A^czcs and Courier. August 15, 1907) 

A monument to Thomas Sumter — the "Gamecock" of the Revo- 
lution, patriot, soldier, statesman, citizen — was unveiled yesterday at 
Statesburg, Sum.ter County. It was erected by the State of South 
Carolina to one of Che most illustrious of her sons, and one of the 
most neglected. 

For sixty-five years his dust has mingled with the soil of the 
State which he loved with all his heart and which he served in war 
and in peace with a singleness of devotion never surpassed. The 
memorial stone will add nothing to his fame, that is imperishable ; 
but it will save South Carolina from the continuing reproach of 



70 

ingratitude and wiJl serve to remind the generations yet to be that 
here Hved and died one of the immortals. To Col. John J. Dargan, 
a carfeul student and teacher of the history of his State, is due the 
largest meed of praise for arousing the public to a proper sense of. 
its duty to the memory of Sumter. He had most willing and 
intelligent co-operation, and the people of the State will heartily 
congratulate him and his fellow-workers upon the successful 
accomplishment of their worthy purpose. 

The chief feature of the ceremonies at Statesburg yesterday was 
the oration of H. A. M. Smith, Esq., of Charleston, in which he 
reviewed the life and public service of Sumter. The full text of the 
oration is printed in The Nezi's and Courier today. It is the most 
exhaustive and appreciative study of this great man that has ever 
been made, and possesses the largest historical and literary value. 
Nothing better or more satisfactory in a historical way has been 
done in South Carolina, — nothing that will appeal more strongly to 
the patriotic sense of the State. Mr. Smith had a very difficult and 
trying task. His theme was inspiring, but in the absence of any 
history of Sumter he was compelled to build up the thrilling story 
which he told yesterday out of original material by patient research. 
He did his part with distinguished ability and has made an invaluable 
contribution to the history of his State. 



IN HONOR OF GENERAL SUMTER. 
(Editorial from The State, August 14, 1907) 

There will be unveiled at Statesburg today a monument in honor 
of one of the most useful and brilliant men produced by this country 
in its hour of greatest peril and greatest need — Gen. Thomas Sumiter. 

It has been sung by a woman poet, who deplored that the "long 
sacrifice of woman's days" goes by unheeded, that "statesmen and 
warriors have their meed of praise." But it is not always so. We 
honor according to our prejudices, often according to our idle 
w^hims. Men of far less worth, far less achievement, have long 
received the plaiidits of the American people, have had monuments 
erected to them, have had pages of history inscribed with their 
praise, while General Sumter has had scant honor paid to his great 
character and his substantial service to his State and his country 
This is largely due, of course, to two very unpleasant facts : The 
South does not write history, and it does not devote much time to 
honoring the memories of its great men. 

But there stands the ugly record against us. Or, at least it stood 



71 

until yesterady. Today it is expunged from the register of time. 
Today we are honoring, in some worthy way, in a way that would 
warm the stout heart of the gallant old partisan himself, the "Game- 
cock" and chanticleer of the Revolution. The reproach passes 
from us. 

It is admitted, even by the historian Bancroft, that the work 
accomplished by the Revolutionists of South Carolina made possible 
the defeat of the British invaders and the achievement of independ- 
ence. It has been demonstrated by our own historian, McCrady, 
that this State fought more battles and made more sacrifices for the 
cause of the people than any other State. The record is a proud one. 
It stands unapproached, unchallenged, unassailable. 

In the making of that resplendent record not one of our leaders 
accomplished more than Gen. Thomas Sumter. As we have said, 
he has not fared well in history. That other brilliant and dashing 
partisan leader, Francis Marion, has claimed a larger share of the 
attention of poets and novelists. There was a little more of the 
glamor of romance about Marion; but there was no more of brill- 
iancy and daring and spirit about him in actual life than about the 
hard-fighting and tireless "Gamecock." There is little doubt that 
the British, from Cornwallis and Tarleton down to the humblest 
trooper, feared Sumter more than they feared any other of their 
adversaries. Cornwallis declared that he had been their "greatest 
plague in the country." He met the dashing Tarleton, the most 
brilliant cavalry leader in the service of England, and divided honors 
with him, losing to him once and defeating him once, while another 
encounter was a drawn battle. His record of services to the State 
is, indeed, the most brilliant and most enduring, perhaps, of all those 
who fought so gallantly and witih final success against overwhelming 
odds. 

The monument that is unveiled today is due, in its inception, to the 
patriotism of Col. John J. Dargan, who has long taken the deepest 
interest in preserving all the memorials and records of our State 
history, and in rightly honoring the State's great and worthy men. 
It is an achievement that honors him and honors* the people of the 
State who quickly and liberally responded to his suggestion. No 
longer will it be possible to reflect that South Carolina failed to 
give due honor to one of the most brilliant and successful of the 
patriot leaders that rescued her from British tyranny and gave her 
independence and an honorable station among the States and before 
the world. 



72 



ADDRESS OF MISS MARY T. NANCE, AT THE EDUCA- 
TIONAL MEETING. 

The Independence of Rural School Work in South 

Carolina. 

Mr. President and Friends: It is a rural school that has today 
paid such beautiful tributes to our hero of Revolutionary fame. Gen. 
Thomas Sumter, and it was mainly through the efforts of the noble 
teachers of this school. Colonel Dargan and his daughters, tihat this 
occasion of solemnity and reverence has been made possible. Gen- 
eral Sumter, a hero of whom every American citizen is proud, has 
fought a good fight and has gone to his eternal reward, and today 
we are proud of the privilege that is accorded us in being able to 
take part in the exercises that do honor to the memory of this great 
man. 

To erect monuments to our noble dead and to cover their resting 
places with flowers is a beautiful custom, but when we are doing 
this we should not lose sight of what we owe to our Hiiing heroes. 
We should honor men who, like Colonel Dargan, have waged war 
against ignorance, against prejudice and against criticism, and who 
have builded better than they knew. We should not wait until 
these men have passed aw^ay to honor and revere them, but today let 
every man and woman here who is interested in the advancement 
of educational interests in our State rise up and call them blessed. 

The subject assigned me for today is one of considerable magni- 
tude and one with wdiich I feel unable to cope in such a short period 
of time. However, I feel sure that every one here readily recognizes 
the fact that good schools for all the people is no longer a question 
of philanthropy or expediency ; with us in Sonth Carolina and in the 
entire South it is a matter of life and death. 

For many years the elementary school has been a distinctively 
American institution, whose influence in maintaining the democratic 
spirit of our people, in welding together the diverse elements of 
our native and foreign-born population, in raising the general level 
of intelligence to a comparatively high plane, has been too great to 
be measured. While this is true, there has never yet been a time 
when there were schoolhouses enough in this country to accommo- 
date all the children of school age ; and there are yet some who are 
deprived of the opportunity to acquire even the simplest rudiments 
of an education. 



73 

It has been the tendency of our educational leaders, until recently, 
to give their undivided time to developing a vast public school 
system for the cities, and therefore the educational progress in rural 
communities has been along very narrow lines. Into the courses of 
study in the city schools have been introduced special courses in draw- 
ing, manual training, music, physical culture and domestic science. 
These schools have had libraries, good equipment, well-kept grounds 
and all of the things that stand for refinement and culture, and the 
efforts of our educators have made it possible for them to secure all 
these things. I will ask this question : How about the rural schools ? 
Each of you here who has studied the question will admit that until 
recent years very little eft'ort has been made in South Carolina to 
improve the courses of study, to improve and beautify the buildings, 
to add libraries and to make the schools of the rural disricts as 
attractive as those of the towns or cities ; however, in the last three 
or four years an educational wave, for the improvement of rural 
schools, has swept over our State, and at present our educators are 
working along certain lines, viz. : consolidation, improvement of 
buildings and grounds, better equipment, interior decoration, libraries, 
better teachers, longer terms, local taxation, and, last, but by no means 
least, the making of the schools more thoroughly the centers for 
the intellectual life of the community by the co-operation of the 
farmer and his family with the teacher. 

Years ago, educational leaders thought it necessary to put a 
schoolhouse on every man's plantation ; but in recent years light 
along this line has dawned, and now the cry of our deepest thinkers 
is to consolidate the small' schools, and, instead of having a school- 
house in every valley and on every hilltop, they are attempting to 
have several weak schools joined into one and have free transpor- 
tation of pupils. This is at present the most important movement 
affecting tihe rural schools of our State. There are many strong 
arguments in favor of consolidation and a few weak ones against it, 
the chief one of which is that it removes an ancient landmark and 
is a decided innovation. This is, I regret to say, an objection of 
great weight with a considerable class of patrons of rural schools 
who choose to live, move and die as did their ancestors. It will 
take time, patience and tact to overcome these objections, but the 
more progressive people of the community must go forward in 
spite of such narrow objections. There are a dozen arguments in 
favor of the consolidation to one against it. I can not do better 
here than to quote from our State Superintendent of Education. 



74 

Superintendent O. B. iVIartin says: "The strongest argument I 
have heard in favor of consolidation is that wherever it is tried the 
people like it and usually become its best friends and supporters 
when it is put into operation." 

Here are some of the advantages of consolidation: (a) better 
houses, (b) better equipment, (c) better teaching, (d) better super- 
vision, (e) better attendance, (f) less cost, (g) longer terms. I 
would like to enlarge on each of these advantages, but as time will 
not permit I will discuss only one, viz., better teaching. Take, for 
example, a neighborhood where three schools may be brought 
together into one. These three are all ungraded and, in a large 
measure, unclassified schools, having one teacher for each school. 
Each teacher Ihas between thirty and forty recitations each day. 
These recitations can not exceed an average period of, say eight or 
ten minutes. Work of this kind is not teaching. It amounts to 
almost nothing in the way of development. Suppose, for example, 
that the subject of geography is up, and that geography classes in 
these three schools 'have an average of three pupils each. We have 
three teachers conducting three hasty recitations with an aggregate 
of nine pupils. If these three schools were consolidated there would 
be one teacher of geography with a class of nine pupils, all under 
the wholesome stimulus of numbers, conducting a recitation for 
thirty minutes or more. Now, extend the process so as to embrace 
all the subjects taught in the schools, and see what a saving of 
energy and what a multiplication of results. Instead of three 
ungraded, unclassified and inefficient schools, we have one graded 
school doing systematized, effective work. This is the greatest ad- 
vantage of consolidation ; and, if it had no other advantage, this alone 
would far outweigh every consideration that can be urged against it. 

With consolidation and better organization of rural schools will 
come the opportunities for much fuller and richer courses of study. 
Agriculture can be taught in the country schools, as. manual training 
is in the city schools. Children must be taught early in life to see 
what is about them. The teacher should point out beauty in the 
common things — the tree, the sky, the rock, the brook, the hillside 
and the meadow. If the child is taught to love the things about 
him he will take pleasure in aiding their development. Then manual 
labor will not be a drudgery. Agriculture must not be confused 
with the manual training as taught in the city schools. 

Some one has said : "The motive for teaching agriculture in the 
rural schools may, however, to considerable extent, be the same as 



75 

that for manual training for city schools, viz., to bring the children 
into direct sympathetic relations with the industrial life of the com- 
munity in which they live. Undoubtedly manual training in the city 
schools has an outlook toward the shop, factory and kitchen, and in 
the same way agriculture in the rural school should be directly 
related to the practical work of the farm." Just as the courses of 
study in the city schools have been improved and enriched by the 
introduction of manual training, so the teaching of agriculture in 
the rural schools, when once parents and teachers are convinced of 
its benefits, will be found to be both practicable and advantageous. 

At the outset consolidation naturally encounters opposition, but 
when it is given a fair trial and its merits have been tested no one 
would consent to a return to the old way. 

What educational value would it be to have a school in every 
man's yard if the school is worthless? In the General Sumter 
Memorial Academy we have a splendid type of a consolidated rural 
cchool. 

On of the most urgent needs of our rural schools at present is 
better schoolhouses and well-kept grounds. A child's environment 
should always be made tasteful and attractive. We should endeavor 
to get the children into the schools, and when we have succeeded in 
getting them there we should make home schools for them ; for if 
a boy's home is clean, orderly, attractive, and his school grounds 
and schoolhouse are well kept, he is growing up in an atmosphere 
that naturally makes for good when he is a man. The tastes and 
controlling ideals of a nian are often the results of his surroundings 
at school. On the other hand, if his school grounds are unattractive, 
illy kept and repulsive, he is not only growing up in a bad atmosphere, 
but the schoolhouse becomes hostile to all good home surroundings 
and influences. 

A schoolhouse of good architectural proportions and well-kept 
surroundings can not fail to serve as a stimulus to both teacher and 
pupil. Beauty in an incentive to order. "If we see a house that 
is attractive," says President Draper, "with trees about and some 
green sod and flower beds, we shall be likely to find that things 
are about as they should be inside. If the building looks ugly and 
the grounds unkept, we shall be likely to find that the schoolhouse 
is dirty and unhealthful. We shall also be likely to find that the 
teacher is lazy, the pupils listless and the work of little account." 

Ruskin has said : 



76 

"Scatter diligently in susceptible minds, 
The germs of the good and the beatitiful ; 
They will develop there to trees, bud, bloom. 
And bear the golden fruit of paradise." 

It has been proven to be true that when the school-grounds and 
school-rooms are made attractive, the children take a delight in 
coming to school. We all agree with Mr. Joyner, I feel certain, that 
teachers who have the care of precious children for five or six hours 
each day should make "a home, not a hovel ; a place of beauty, not 
a place of ugliness ; a place of comfort, not a place of discomfort ; 
a place of cleanliness, not a place of uncleanliness. About it the 
grass should grow green and the sun shine bright, the flowers bloom, 
and the birds sing, and the trees wave their long arms that the 
children, while listening to the lessons taught by men and books, 
may receive also from the potent, silent influence of proper environ- 
ment, the sweet message of peace, and love, and culture, and beauty." 

The time has come when we must conquer the absurd idea that 
four bare walls and a few straight-back benches constitute a place 
suitable for any child to spend five or six ihours daily. Most of our 
rural schools need patent desks, good blackboards, maps, charts, 
window shades, reading tables and pictures. These things are 
within the reach of every community where a healthy educational 
sentiment can be created by a sympathetic co-operation of farm, 
home and school. 

Prof. J. B. Carlisle has said : "Educational progress means religious 
good ; it inculcates a love of truth that is not to be limited. The hope 
of the State is not in the big towns. The hope of the greatest future 
is dawning in the rural districts." A few years ago you seldom 
heard of a librar yin a rural school ; today a library is within the reach 
of every school in South Carolina. Those schools that can not raise 
the $10.00 so as to avail themselves of State aid can secure the use 
of a traveling library, without cost, through the School Improve- 
ment Association. It is certainly an evidence of progress that good 
and wholesome reading matter is within the reach of every school 
in South Carolina. 

President Eliot says that the school must teach, not only how to 
to read, but what to read, and it must develop a taste for whole- 
some reading. On one occasion Fenelon said, "If all the crowns of 
all the kingdoms of Europe were laid down at my feet in exchange for 
my books and my love of reading, I would spurn them all." To teach 
children to care for books, to cultivate in them a confirmed reading 



77 

habit, directed by cultivated taste, is one of the greatest things that 
a teacher may accompHsh. This reading habit can only be cultivated 
by having the use of books. 

Nearly one thousand libraries have been established in the rural 
schools of South Carolina during the past four years. This means 
at least 100,000 well-selected books in places where few opportunities 
existed before. There is nothing a teacher could place in her 
school that would make children care for books more than a reading 
table, to which should come papers and magazines. There should be a 
reading table in every rural school in South Carolina. Without 
reading table and libraries the rural school must fail in its most 
important function. May God speed the day when the library 
advantages of the country boy all over the South will be equal to 
those of the city boy. 

Perhaps we have all heard of the maxim "As the teacher is, so is 
the school," so long that we are tired of it, but whether or not we 
consider this saying from a serious standpoint it is nevertheless one 
that is worthy of our most earnest consideration. Speaking froni 
observation and experience, I believe that this is a self-evident truth. 

For a long time our State has demanded that our doctors, lawyers 
and men of other professions be men of not only general education, 
but men of special training. But as yet that class among us who 
train at least seventy-five or eighty per cent, of our future citizens 
are, I am sorry to say, required to exhibit no more than a very 
elemetary general knowledge of a few subjects. I venture we are 
all of one mind that teachers should be trained for their work, but 
we can never get trained teachers for the rural districts until the 
salaries are increased. Suppose a teacher spends $1,000 for her 
college training, can she afiford to go out into the country and teach 
forty or fifty children six or seven hours each day for the small 
pittance of $25 or $35, and be forced to spend nearly all of that for 
living expenses? The thirty-eighth annual report of the State 
Superintendent of Education says that there are 2,429 white schools 
in the rural districts of South Carolina ; there are 104,484 children 
in these schools ; the average length of the school term is 22.0 
weeks, or four and one-half months ; the annual average salary is 
$135. How is any woman to live twelve months on $135 ? 

These facts, I hope, will stir our souls and consciences to such an 
extent that we will not rest until the rural school teachers of South 
Carolina are paid compensations sufificient to justify them in buying 
books, subscribing to school journals, daily papers and magazines, 



78 

in attending summer schools and in traveling. The Nczv York Sun 
stated, a few years ago, that the "Dog Catcher" of the City of Wash- 
ington receives $1,500 a year salary. The average salary of grade 
teachers in the Washington City schools is only $500 a year. 

It is stated in the report which was submitted at Birmingham 
some years ago by the Associated Superintendents of Pubhc Instruc- 
tion, that the average salary for teachers of the country is only $49 
for men and $40 for women, and that in the South the average is 
$33.35 for men and $30.47 for women. 

The average length of a public school term for the country was 
given. in the report as 145 days, while in the Southern States it was 
only 99 days. The country at large is spending $20.^9 for every 
pupil enrolled in the public schools, while the South is spending only 
$6.95. For every child of school age the country is spending $10.57, 
while in the South we are spending $4.05. 

The census of 1905 shows that 24 per cent, of the white population 
lives in the Southern States and 64 per cent, of all the white illiter- 
ates over ten years of age live in these same Southern States. 

These facts are not pleasant, but they are true, however, and we, 
as Southern people, must face these conditions with courage ; we must 
look to our own, and take care of our own, and in order to do so 
our children must be fitted for the tasks of life. If we do not grasp 
the opportunity by fitting our boys and girls, we may become hewers 
of stone and drawers of water for those who will take up the work. 

"In a government like ours the prime object is to make a good 
citizen, for every citizen is a sovereign." I believe the most impor- 
tant work of any nation is the educating of its masses — the develop- 
ment of a higher average citizenship. Until every child has had 
the chained power within him set free, — until every boy and girl has 
been made to know their capacity, developed by consecrated and 
efficient teachers, — that nation has not yet had the Christian civiliza- 
tion. If the nation spent less on the maintenance of its standing 
army and devoted more of its revenue to the training and paying of 
teachers for the rural districts, there would be another case of casting 
bread upon the waters. 

If we are to train our children for the highest type of future 
citizenship, we must formulate some definite plans for the adequate 
payment and training of our country public school teachers and for 
the extension of our school terms. 

Chancellor Kirkland, of Vanderbilt University, said. "A consoli- 
dated school, with a good library and a good house, is only dead 



79 

matter until it is g-iven life by the personality of a real teacher." In 
Mr. O. J. Kern's Among Country Schools there is a teacher's creed, 
from Mr. Osgood Grover, which I will quote diere : 

"I believe in boys and girls, the men and women of the great 
tomorrow ; that whatsoever the boy soweth the man shall reap. I 
believe in the curse of ignorance, in the efficacy of schools, in the 
dignity of teaching and in the joys of serving another. I believe in 
the wisdom as revealed in human lives, as well as in the pages of a 
printed book; in lessons taught, not so much by precept as by 
example ; in ability to work with the hands, as well as to think with 
the head ; in everything that makes life large and lovely. I believe 
in the beauty of the school-room, in the home, in daily life and out 
of doors. I believe in laughter, in love, in all ideals and distant 
hopes that lure us on. I believe that every hour of every day we 
receive a just reward for all we are and all we do. I believe in the 
present and its opportunities, in the future and its promises, and in 
the divine joy of living. Amen." 

"A teacher believing and living- such a creed in a country school," 
says Mr. Kern, "will be an inspirational force to country children. 
The country school needs more of wisdom in human lives. Too 
often the wisdom, as revealed in wihat men have said or done in the 
past, as recorded on the printed page, is considered the only educa- 
tional material worth while. Such a teacher will teach by example 
the true dignity of 'work with the hands,' and banish the false idea 
that an education will somehow enable one to get a living without 
work. 

"A teacher living this creed will teach her children to see and 
appreciate the wondrous beauty of country life — the country road, 
the cluster of oak trees, the clover field, the trailing wild grapevine, 
the wild flowers, the wild crab tree and the babbling brook. She 
will help to spiritualize country thought and life, for she believes in 
beauty in the school-room, in the home, in daily life and out of 
doors. Such a teacher can not be content with merely drawing her 
salary while the schoolhouse and grounds remain cheerless and 
desolate. In some way the forces of the district will be organized 
for better things. The parents will be reached through the children, 
for the teacher believes 'in all ideals and distant hopes that lure us 
on.' Her salary is what? you ask. I do not know. She belongs 
to that small class of public servants who earn a great deal more than 
they receive. It may be that in lives transformed by her influence 
is a compensation greater than gold. At any rate, in 'the joy of 



80 

serving another' there comes the hourly 'reward for all we are and all 
we do.' If every country school teacher in the United States could 
only grasp the true significance of present conditions and future 
possibilities of the country school, could have faith in the inspirational 
power of a life illumined with 'the divine joy of living' — in short, if 
every country school teacher would actually live the above creed for 
five years the nation would witness the greatest change ever wrought 
in the history of the American public schools." 

Some of the needs of our rural schools are consolidation, better 
houses and grounds, better equipment, interior decoration, libraries, 
longer terms and trained teachers. We can not have good schools 
without these things, and we can not have these things without more 
money, and we can not get more money without more taxes. 

When we talk about higher taxes for public schools many people 
claim we are too poor for more taxation. Please listen carefully for 
a moment. According to an American grocer, in 1905 the annual 
drink bill of the United States, including wine, beer, liquor and 
coffee, was $1,450,0(X),()00 ; annual tobacco bill, $750,000,000; total 
$2,200,000,000. Annual expenditure for public schools in the United 
States, $275,000,000. 

Since the popluation in the South is one-fourth the population of 
the United States, we are spending annually $550,000,000 for liquor, 
wine, beer and coffee, and only $25,000,000 annually for our public 
schools ; so we are spending twenty-two times as much annually for 
the things that wreck our homes as we are for the things that would 
make our homes and bless our nation. 

If a community levies a tax on its own property, to be expended 
on its own school, it has done a good thing in many respects for the 
community ; for the teachers will spend most of their salaries in the 
community, and local mechanics will spend at home what is paid them 
for the erection of buildings. However, if this were not true, the 
increased capacity of the children for future usefulness should be 
sufficient compensation for the extra tax that has been imposed. 

In 1903 about 250 districts in South Carolina levied a local tax; 
nOw the number approaches 500, which is nearly one-third of the 
districts in the State. This shows progress, but with this we are not 
satisfied. The cost of education is recognized as being one of the 
highest claims upon the people of the State. All other reforms com- 
bined can not regenerate a people who are steeped hi ignorance. 
Education becomes an imperative necessity and one of the strongest 
that can rest upon a people. The counties that have levied taxes 



81 

find that the returns are ten and a hundred fold, and there is no 
reason why the whole State should not be placed on an equality in 
this respect. 

I think that the ilustration that I am going to give will show 
clearly to every one present that the improvement of rural schools, 
and the educating of the masses in South Carolina, will have the 
power to produce great wealth for our State, for we are truly an 
agricultural State. 

Germany educates its masses. Russia does not. Today Germany 
stands out as a great nation, with wonderful material power and 
possibilities. Only eight per cent, of Russia's popluation of 130,000,- 
000 can read and write, and, as a consequence, an acre of land in 
Russia produces only one-third of what it produces in Germany. 

This brings us to the unquestionable conclusion that we must 
educate our masses if we have to use taxation as a means for doing 
it. Hon. Charles B. Aycock, of North Carolina, has said, "The tax- 
ation that goes for the upbuilding of the public schools is the very 
freedom and liberty of the people." 

Briefly, I will touch one more point, and that is the making of the 
schools more thoroughly the centers for the intellectual and social 
life of the community by the co-operation of the farmer and his 
family with the teacher. What we need to do is to create a sentiment 
for better conditions in the rural schools, and then we will get the 
co-operation and support of every one, whether he be college-bred or 
whether he can not read or write his name, whether he be a man of 
leisure or a laboring man. When leisure and opportunity meet, there 
also is obligation. Of man or woman to whom much is given, much 
shall be required. Not men alone brought gifts to the Tabernacle, 
but women came also, "such as were wise-hearted," says Holy Writ, 
bringing of their abundance and of their poverty to adorn the 
visible dwelling-place of Israel's God, who had been both alike, the 
pillar of fire by night and the pillar of cloud by day. 

"We owe it to God, to our country, to our State, to our County, 
to our families, to our friends, to the rising generation and to genera- 
tions yet unborn, to do all in our power to promote and perfect this 
great agency for the betterment of mankind. You can do something 
toward this end. T can do something. Let us arise and be about it." 

The best thngs are ahead of us, not behind us. The movement 
of humanity under the head of an all-wise, all-mighty, all-gracious 
God, is forward and not backward, so let us 



82' 

"Do noble things, not dream them all day long, 
And thus make life, death and the vast forever. 
One grand, sweet song." 

And finally let me say that in South Carolina we are appreciating 
more and more the truth as expressed by Horace Mann : "No richness 
of climate, no spontaneous productiveness of soil, no store of gold 
or of diamonds garnered into the treasure chambers of the earth 
can confer even worldly prosperity upon an uneducated nation. The 
ignorant pearl divers do not wear the pearls they win." 

In the schoolhouse lives the ultimate hope of the nation, and work 
well done here bears a richer fruitage in a more enlightened citizen- 
ship and a fuller manhood than can be looked for in any other field 
of endeavor. 



83 



ADDRESS OF PROF. E. S. DREHER, AT THE EDUCA- 
TIONAL MEETING. 

"shall we educate against crime?" 

On an occasion of this kind, where so many splendid things have 
been so eloquently spoken by distinguished men of this and other 
States, the temptation to make an elaborate speech is very great ; 
but, fortunately for you, my friends, I shall not yield to the tempta- 
tion. It is my purpose simply to direct your attention to three central 
thoughts, brieflly told, on some phases of instruction needed in our 
schools and colleges, but now seldom mentioned within the walls 
of a schoolroom. 

From the standpoint of the State and society, education that does 
not make good citizens is a failure. Intellectual culture and indus- 
trial training add power, influence and wealth to a community, 
but in themselves they do not necessarily make good citizens, as it 
is a well-established fact that some of our highly educated, and many 
of our industrially trained men and women are undesirable citizens. 
Their minds and hands have been carefully educated, but they are 
sadly lacking in those finer and nobler traits of character that can 
come only from an educated heart. Having had but little religious 
training, having no regard for the rights of others and no respect 
for law and order, they are irreligious, selfish and lawless. 

The tendency in this direction is so pronounced and 'so general 
as to cause careful thinkers to view with increasing alarm the rest- 
lessness and disorder growing out of present disturbed and unset- 
tled conditions. That a remedy is needed as a corrective of this 
tendency is apparent to all, but what the remedy shall be has not 
yet been determined, nor will it be determined here today. Still, I 
submit the following proposition for the thoughtful consideration of 
those who are interested in this great problem : 

Definite and thorough instruction in our schools and colleges in 
the fundamental principles of religion, on the difference between mine 
and thine and on the necessity for law and order will, in the next 
half century, so revolutionize our moral, spiritual, social and indus- 
trial life as to make present conditions not only intolerable, but 
impossible. 

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION. 

Human nature is so constituted that worship of some kind is 
essential to a rational existence. So true is this that, not knowing 



84 

God, two-thirds of the human race worship false gods of their own 
creation. The other third worship what they believe to be the only 
true God, but, alas ! as a whole, be it said to our shame, with a devo- 
tion less sincere and devout than that accorded by the children of 
darkness to their idols of wood, stone and bronze. With us money 
and the lust for gold are being more and more enthroned in our 
hearts and lives, while the God of our fathers is being dethroned 
and dishonored. We are so money-mad that the figure of the dollar- 
mark is larger than the figure of the cross ; wealth, no matter how 
obtained, often has a greater power than character, however noble 
and sublime. 

In some pagan countries, emperor-worship and filial piety are the 
badges of honorable citizenship ; those who possess these vir'tues are 
counted among the best in the land, though in other respects they 
are notoriously wicked and immoral. In our own country, there is 
but little difference ; those who are wealthy are respected and 
honored regardless of their moral character, while poor but honest 
and honorable men are without influence in the community, the State 
and the nation. 

It is generally admitted that a very large majority of the children 
of our country are growing up ignorant of the finer traditions of the 
past, ignorant of the lives of those who have suffered and endured 
for righteousness' sake, ignorant of the Holy Scriptures and of the 
ways of God to man. Iii many instances, they receive no religious 
instruction in their homes, none in the churches, from which they are 
absent, and none in the public schools, where such instruction is not 
permitted. In some schools the scriptures may not even be read 
because the courts have decreed that the Bible is a sectarian book. 
In the matter of religious sects and denominations, it would seem 
that we are sensitive beyond belief ; so sensitive, in fact, as to believe 
that some unsuspecting school teachers are so eager and anxious to 
proselyte our children that we don't want them even to mention the 
name of God in their presence. Away with so narrow-minded a 
prejudice; away with so unreasonable a sensitiveness ! 

We need the Bible in our schools, and we need its influence in our 
national life to correct the immoral, lawless and money-worshiping 
tendencies of the time. That instruction in the Bible will do this, 
reference need only be made to the law-abiding spirit of those 
countries in which religious instruction, based on the Bible, is regu- 
larly and systematically taught in the public schools. 



85 

If all these things are true, and experience and common sense 
prove that they are, is it fair, reasonable or just to present or future 
generations to deny our children instruction in a book that has done 
more for humanity and the world than all other books combined? 
Our intelligence answers no, but our prejudice answers yes. Hitherto 
our prejudice has triumphed over our intelligence in these matters; 
shall it continue to do so in the future? No, not if we are wise. 

MINE AND THINE. 

Some years ago, in discussing with a friend the reason for so 
many bank defalcations recorded in the papers from day to day, he 
startled me by saying that he believed some of them were due to the 
modern method of teaching subtraction in our public schools. 
"This," said he, "is the explanation: When we were taught sub- 
traction by the old method, we 'borrowed one from the minuend and 
added one to the subtrahend when the figure in the top line was less 
than the one in the bottom line." You see we okvays paid back what 
we borrowed, but by this new method we keep on borrowing and 
never pay back, and this is the very same method by which employees 
rob their employers." 

This seems to be a rather fantastic idea, but it is unique in its 
originality. According to it, a. return to the old method of teaching 
subtractio.n in the schools will reduce the number of defalcations by 
trusted employees. This is doubtful, but there is a plan by which 
conditions may be improved, not only in this respect, but also in all 
business and commercial transactions; it is to teach to the youth of 
the country, in its widest meaning, the difference between mine and 
thine, in regard to both property rights and individual thought and 
action. 

The right to acquire property and accumulate wealth is as old 
as the history of man ; that which I acquire legitimately is as sacredly 
mme as that which you acquire legitimately is sacredly yours, but 
that which I acquire by fraud and robbery is no more mine morally 
and legally than that which you acquire by the same means is yours. 
Yet you want and covet mine, and I want and covet yours; mine 
and thine are eternally at war, not only figuratively, but literally, 
until the whole world is involved in an armed peace or in actual 
warfare to protect what it already has, or to acquire by force what 
belongs to others. And so equity and right have not always been 
victorious, but might has made right, and mine has become thine 
because you are stronger than I am, either in your own strength or 
in a combination of forces with which I am unable to contend. I, 



86 

though right, lose through weakness ; you, though wrong, win by 
might. Thus the conflict wages and will wage until we obey the 
commands : "Thou shalt not covet." and "Thou shalt not steal." 

Numerous violations of the principle involved in mine and thine 
are every day disclosed in the business world. Open robbery, theft 
and graft are appropriating to others that which is mine ; questionable 
and dishonest business methods are amassing fortunes for some by 
robbing others ; conflicts between labor and capital are of- common 
and frequent occurrence ; distrust and discord are prevalent through- 
out the country; and so little regard have we for what is thine, for 
the rights of others, that a gloomy, pessimistic outlook for the future 
is not unjustifiable, in view of the present conditions. 

Xow, no one is so credulous as to believe for a moment that these 
evils can be wholly removed from business and commercial transac- 
tions by any process whatsoever ; they can not so long as human 
nature remains unchanged ;but if our. children are carefully instructed 
in the well-establis'hed principles of ownership, in the laws pertaining 
to personal and property rights, not omitting the punishments pre- 
scribed for violations of the same, in regard to the sin of stealing 
and the virtue of doing unto others as you would have them do 
unto you, in two or three decades marked and gratifying improve- 
ments will follow. 

An extremely simple political economy, with variations and addi- 
tions adapted to the purpose in view, could easily embrace all the 
information necessary to carry out the suggestions here made on 
this vital and important topic. 

NECESSITY FOR LAW AND ORDER. 

Without law and order civilized society can not exist ; wise laws, 
properly respected and enforced, are the bulwarks of civilization. 
When the law becomes inoperative, when constituted authority is 
powerless to enforce its mandates, the individual usurps authority 
anarchy prevails, lawlessness triumphs, violence reigns supreme and 
murder stalks abroad by day and by night until finally society is 
conquered, subdued and utterly destroyed. 

As the government derives its power from the people by whom and 
for whom it exists, each individual, being a constituent part of the 
government, is partly responsible for its enforcement. When the 
government fails to perform its proper functions, the people and not 
it are to blame. In a peculiar sense is this true of a republican form 
of government, and for this reason an educated citizenship is neces- 
sary to the perpetuity of such a government. Hence its citizens 



should receive the most Hberal education possible. Schools and col- 
leges should be established in large numbers in which the principles 
of government and the necessity for law and order should be taught, 
beginning with the common schools and continuing through the 
colleges. 

In this country, in view of our wide-spread disregard for law and 
order and our appalling indifference to the value of human life, sim- 
ple statistics in regard to the prevalence of crime and its causes, 
especially murder, should be compiled and also taught in our schools. 

To illustrate : The population of South Carolina is approximately 
1,500,000; last year the Attorney-General reported 303 homicides, 
which gives 20 for every 100,000 inhabitants and one every 29 hours. 
In 1904 there were 203, and in 1905 the number was 262. 

In the State of IMaine there is only one-half of a homicide to every 
100,000 inhabitants ; South Carolina's ratio would give that State 120 
a year, instead of three, as is now the case. 

The State of ]ylassachusetts has only one-third of a homicide for 
every 100,000 inhabitants, or ten a year; South Carolina's ratio 
would give ^Massachusetts 600. 

In ^Montana the average is 11 for ever}- 100,000 of population, or 
33 each year ; South Carolina's ratio would give Montana 60. 

Florida is in a worse condition than South Carolina, the number of 
homicides in that State being 23 in ever}- 100,000 inhabitants. The 
actual number of homicides in Florida is 138 ; South Carolina's ratio 
would give Florida 120. 

London, with a population of more than six millions, has on an 
average about 20 homicides each year, or one-third for every 100,000 
of population. South Carolina's ratio would give London 1,200 
annually. Again, the population of North Carolina, South Carolina 
and Georgia combined, is about the same as that of London, but if 
the people in these States were as law-abiding in respect to human 
life as they are in that city, there would be only 20 homicides in them, 
whereas the actual number is nearer 1,200. 

Life is ten times safer in Japan than in our own country. 

Tahiti, one of the Society Islands, with a population of 11,000, has 
one homicide every four years. South Carolina's ratio would give 
Tahiti more than two a year, and yet we are accustomed to think of 
that island as being only half-civilized. 

If the truth must be told, when it comes to taking human life, we 
are the ones who are only half-civilized, but the saddest part of it is 
we don't seem to know it. If ever a campaign of education was 



needed in South Carolina and other sections of the country, one is 
needed at this time against the prevalence of murder and other crimes 
now so common as to excite almost no comment. Practically all the 
daily papers of the State, and some of the weeklies, are laying these 
astounding and appalling facts before our people, but as they reach 
only a small minority of the population of the State, the results are 
meagre and unsatisfactory. It is clearly evident that something 
more definite is needed, — something that will reach most of our peo- 
ple in a few years' time. Human life, the most valuable asset of any 
State, is far too cheap in South Carolina. Your time or mine may 
come next; who knows? 

A simple and, I believe, effective plan for improving conditions in 
this respect is this : Let the Legislature authorize the appointment by 
the Governor of a commission on comparative criminology, w'hose 
duty it shall be to compile statistics of crime, especially murder, from 
various cities, States, and countries, reduce them to their simplest 
and most interesting forms, publish them in pamphlets from time to 
Hme, distribute them by mail or otherwise throughout the State at 
the expense of the State; and further, that the teaching of these facts 
be made obligatory in all schools and colleges under State control. 

With such facts as these thoroughly taught to the youth of the 
State and widely disseminated among the older people, it is impossi- 
ble to believe that so many of our fellow-citizens would go around 
armed with a whiskey bottle in one hip-pocket and a revolver in the 
other, ready to shoot down a human being on the least provocation, 
or without any provocation whatsoever. No one can tell how far- 
reaching and how beneficent the results will be, if a plan like this 
should be tried in South Carolina. 

These, then, my fellow-citizens, are the three chief thoughts that I 
bring to you today: Let us teach the Bible, the difference between 
mine and thine, and the necessity for law and order to the young 
people of our State. They are but poorly and briefly expressed, but 
they seem worthy of this great occasion. Should they receive any 
consideration at your hands, and should the three subjects mentioned 
ever become a part of the curriculum of our schools and colleges, 
should the benign influence of the three, taken together or separately, 
ever bless this cherished land of our birth, a new era of prosperity, 
good-cheer, and brotherly love will dawn upon the sons and daugh- 
ters of South Carolina. 



PEACE HYMN. 

The following hymn was sung to the air of New Haven, at the 
conclusion of the educational meeting: 

I 
God bless our native land ; 
May Heaven's protecting Hand 

Still guard our shore. 
May peace her power extend, 
Foe be transformed to friend, 
And all our rights depend 

On War no more. 

H 

May just and righteous laws 
Uphold the public cause 

And bless our name. 
Home of the brave and free, 
Stronghold of Liberty, 
We pray that hence on thee 

There be no stain. 

HI 
And not this land alone, 
But be Thy. mercies known 

From shore to shore. 
Lord make the Nations see 
That men should brothers be 
And form one family 

The wide world o'er. 



90 



FROM COL. SEBASTIAN SUMTER. 

The Sumter Monument Commission. 

Gentlemen: Learning that you are soon to make your report, as Commis- 
sioners of the Legislature of South Carolina to erect a monument to General 
Sumter, of your action in such capacity and of the unveiling exercises and 
ceremonies, I wish, on behalf of the Sumter family, of which I am the oldest 
member, to express to you our entire satisfaction with your work. You have 
pleased us in the selection of the material of which the monument is made, 
of the taste in its construction and inscriptions, and it seems to us all that even 
though you had had a limitless fund jou could not have erected a more suitable 
memorial to mark the grave of General Sumter than you have done. 

The unveiling ceremonies were conducted, from first to last, in the most 
successful and pleasing manner, and your uniform courtesy and consideration 
for the wishes of the family, even in the most minute matters, relating to the 
location of the monument and the conduct of the exercises, merits our grateful 
recognition, and I beg that you will accept this expression of our satisfaction 
and appreciation. Very respectfully yours, S. SUMTER. 



011 699 661 3 



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